How to identify Water hickory (Carya aquatica)

How to identify Water hickory (Carya aquatica)

Water hickory stands as a towering deciduous tree, reaching heights upwards of 80 feet (24 meters). It features a round and spreading canopy, complemented by a long, straight trunk. The bark is fissured, with an ashy-gray appearance. Lance-shaped, serrated leaves, measuring 7-15 inches (18-38 cm), grow on sizable stems, turning a golden yellow when the season turns. These leaves are situated alternately along the branches. The foliage gives way to elongated fruits, akin to nuts, enclosed in a husk that splits open upon maturity.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Water hickory

Alternate lance-shaped serrated leaves turn golden yellow, 7-15 inches (18-38 cm) long.

Male flowers in hanging catkins (2-3 inches/5-7.6 cm), female flowers in short spikes.

Distinctive compressed oval nut (1-1.5 inches/2.5-3.8 cm) in textured husk.

Compound leaves with 7-15 curved leaflets, fuzzy undersides with fine hairs, finely serrated.

Reddish-brown twigs with yellowish buds, smooth texture, alternate branching patterns.

Detailed Traits of Water hickory

Leaf Features

The dark green glossy compound leaves of water hickory feature 7-15 curved, lance-shaped leaflets with finely serrated edges. Measuring approximately 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length, the leaflets have fine hairs along the midrib and major veins on the undersides, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. These characteristics, along with the prominent serration and fine hairs, are key identifiers for water hickory.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of water hickory show distinct sexual dimorphism. Male flowers appear in hanging, slender catkins measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in length, displaying a yellow-green hue. Female flowers, by contrast, are found in short spikes or stalks and are very small, also yellow-green. This dichotomy in flower types makes identification straightforward, with the male catkins being notably longer and more prominent, while the female flowers are smaller and less conspicuous.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of water hickory displays reddish-brown twigs adorned with yellowish terminal buds. The texture is relatively smooth but may become slightly rougher with age. Twigs measure around 0.1 to 0.4 inches (2 to 10 mm) in thickness. Branching patterns are alternate, and the twigs exhibit a subtle shine. Unique to water hickory, these stems provide a striking contrast with their reddish hue against the yellowish buds, aiding identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of water hickory consists of a nut encased within a distinctive, textured husk. This husk is initially fuzzy with a yellow hue, maturing to a brown tone. The nut itself is oval to egg-shaped and notably compressed, or flattened, featuring dimensions of approximately 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length. The surface of the nut is hard and woody, typical of the hickory family, protecting the edible kernel inside.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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