Bitternut Hickory

Bitternut Hickory

Photo Credit: Public Domain CC by SA 3.0

Family: Juglandaceae
Latin Name: Carya cordiformis
Common Name(s): Bitternut, bitternut hickory, swamp hickory

Deciduous or Evergreen: Deciduous
Native Range: Eastern United States
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Mature Height: 50-80’
Mature Spread: 30-50’
Bloom Time: April-May
Native to Minnesota: Yes
Shade Tolerant: Partial

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Description:

Bitternut hickory is a tall ornamental shade tree often found in large parks or gardens. Its leaves are compound, with 5-9 green, ovate leaflets. The apical leaflets, or leaflets closest to the tip, are slightly larger than the basal leaflets. The flowers are green, with non-showy male catkins and female spikes. The female flowers develop into round nuts surrounded by a husk that cracks open in the fall. Nuts only develop when the tree is approximately 25 years old. The bark smooth and gray, developing ridges as it ages. In winter, buds turn bright mustard-yellow, aiding in identification.  

 

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Bitternut hickory is closely related to pecan tree (Carya illnoinensis), but unlike the pecan, its nuts are bitter and unpalatable to humans. It is also closely related to Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) and as such is one of the few species that can grow in close proximity with walnut trees. The wood is sometimes used for yokes or tool handles, as it is strong and hard.

As of 2017, this particular tree is one of only three bitternut hickories planted on the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota.

Issues:

Bitternut hickory does not have any major diseases or pests associated with it, but still attracts a range of pests, such as Hickory bark beetles, pecan weevils, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. In recent years, many states have reported more significant dieback in bitternut hickories. The University of Minnesota has investigated several fungal agents that could be responsible, including Ceratocystis smalleyi.

Other Resources:

Missouri Botanical Garden

Bitternut dieback

 

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Photo Credit: Public Domain CC0