Carya cordiformis - Deciduous,Hardwood,Shade Tree - Bitternut Hickory Page

Carya cordiformis, also known as Bitternut Hickory, is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. Growing up to 80 ft tall, it has compound, light green leaves with 7-11 leaflets, each being lanceolate in shape. This tree produces small wind-pollinated catkins in spring. Its most distinguishing feature is the 2-3 cm long bitter nut, enclosed in a green cover that splits off in autumn. While it is most commonly found in moist mountain valleys, it can also grow well on poor soils and even dry sites. Bitternut hickory can be used for lumber, furniture, paneling, smoking meat, and making tools. It is a shorter-lived hickory, living up to 200 years, yet it is still one of the most uniformly distributed hickories found throughout the eastern United States. Its associations vary by region and can include other hickories, oaks, elms, maples, and pines, as well as various shrubs and understory trees. Get your own Bitternut Hickory tree and enjoy its unique characteristics and uses in your yard or garden!