#84
Accession Number: 0084-0000
Common Name: Pignut Hickory
Latin Name: Carya glabra
Family: Juglandaceae (Walnut Family)
Native Range: Eastern United States
Height: 50–80 feet
Spread: 25–40 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Yellowish-green
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Preference: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Works well as a shade tree, a street tree
Description: Pignut Hickory is a medium to large, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and rounded canopy, commonly found on hillsides and ridges in somewhat dry soils. Compound, dark yellowish-green leaves turn an appealing yellow in fall. The non-showy spring flowers produce rounded nuts once the tree reaches about 25 years in age. Each nut is encased in a thick husk which partially splits open when it ripens in fall. A relative of the edible pecan, these bitter, unpalatable nuts are only eaten by squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife; US settlers found that hogs would eat them as well, hence the common name. A good shade tree, although not commonly planted as an ornamental. A large tree can produce an abundance of leaf, twig, and nut litter on the ground. The strong wood has been used for wheels, tool handles, furniture, and ladders.
