Pignut hickory (Carya glabra)

Pignut hickory

Also known as: Smoothbark hickory, Sweet pignut

Pignut hickory is a tree native to the Eastern United States. The fruit of the pignut hickory is usually bitter and is the reason for the tree’s name, as it has been deemed fit for only “pigs and other animals” to eat. Pignut hickory wood is often used in sporting equipment and as tool handles due to its tough yet flexible qualities.

Scientific classification

Species

Pignut hickory (Carya glabra)

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

20 m to 30 m

Plant Height

9 m to 15 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green, Brown, Copper, Yellow

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Pignut hickory

Attributes of Pignut hickory

Growth Rate

Characterized by a slow growth rate, pignut hickory incrementally develops during spring and summer, prioritizing energy for building a strong taproot system over height increase. These seasons witness gradual progression in leaf production. The deliberate pace affords the tree greater resilience, delaying maturity but ensuring long-term survival.

Distribution of Pignut hickory

Distribution Map

Pignut hickory is native to most of the eastern half of the United States, except the far northeast, and Quebec. It prefers dry hillsides and ridges but can also tolerate moderately moist soil. Pignut hickory has been introduced in Germany and the South Caucasus.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry woods and on slopes, Moist well-drained soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Colorful autumn foliage and interesting spring blooms make pignut hickory an especially showy tree. You can grow it as a large shade tree or smaller ornamental tree in wild or meadow gardens. Its flowers and fruits attract butterflies and birds to its branches, so it would also make a great addition to wildlife or pollinator gardens.

Symbolism

Legal matters, holding on to things that should be let go

Interesting Facts

The nuts of hickory trees provide food to all kinds of wildlife. For example, squirrels, wild hogs, wild turkeys, black bears, foxes, chipmunks, and raccoons all eat the nuts. White tailed deer my browse on the leaves and twigs. Hickory nuts, which are high in fat, can make up a large portion of their diet. This hardwood is also used for firewood.

Name Story

Pignut hickory: How did the plant get the name Pignut hickory? Settlers were not impressed with the taste of the nuts and fed them to their hogs!

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Quickly Identify Pignut hickory

Rounded nuts in thin husks, distinctive of pignut hickory

Pinnately compound leaves with 5 finely serrated leaflets

Distinctive bark with tight ridges forming diamond and X patterns

Oval, 4-parted husk maturing to brown, enclosing a tanned nut

Male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers smaller with green pistils

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Care Guide for Pignut hickory

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from dry woodlands, pignut hickory thrives in well-drained soils with moderate moisture. Watering is optimal every 1-2 weeks, with reduced needs during dormancy as it conserves resources. This species balances drought resistance with the necessity for consistent hydration.

Fertilize: For pignut hickory, use balanced NPK fertilizer annually in early spring to enhance growth, especially for younger plants. Mature pignut hickory need less; apply sparingly to prevent over-fertilization. Ensure even distribution around the drip line and avoid trunk application for optimal health and stress tolerance.

Pruning: Pruning pignut hickory in early spring enhances growth by removing dead or damaged branches and thinning crowded areas, promoting sunlight access. Focus on improving structure to prevent limb breakage. This timing minimizes sap loss and stress, ensuring optimal recovery and vigor.

Propagation: Pignut hickory features strong wood and nuts that attract wildlife. Propagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from a healthy tree, using rooting hormone, and placing in a medium with good drainage and moisture. Provide consistent humidity and indirect sunlight for several seasons for successful rooting.

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Images of Pignut hickory

Attributes of Pignut hickory

Distribution of Pignut hickory

Culture

Quickly Identify Pignut hickory

Care Guide for Pignut hickory

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