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Description
Carya Ovalis, commonly known as the Sweet Pignut, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Juglandaceae family. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of 50-60 centimeters. The tree is native to North America and is found in the eastern United States from southern New York to Florida and west to Texas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Carya |
Appearance
The Sweet Pignut has a straight, slender trunk with smooth, gray bark. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-9 leaflets that are lanceolate and serrated. The tree produces small, green flowers in the spring, followed by edible nuts that have a sweet taste. The nuts are enclosed in a round, brown husk that splits open when ripe.
Care Guide
Water: The Sweet Pignut prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate short periods of drought but should not be overwatered.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Sweet Pignut prefers acidic, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Sweet Pignut is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sweet Pignut is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including the pecan weevil, hickory shuckworm, and aphids. It is also susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Sweet Pignut is a common tree in the eastern United States, where it can be found in woodlands and forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Sweet Pignut nuts edible?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible and have a sweet taste.Q: How tall can a Sweet Pignut tree grow?
A: Sweet Pignut trees can grow up to 30 meters tall.Q: What is the preferred soil type for the Sweet Pignut?
A: The Sweet Pignut prefers acidic, well-draining soil.Q: What are some common pests of the Sweet Pignut?
A: The pecan weevil, hickory shuckworm, and aphids are all common pests of the Sweet Pignut.
Related Plants
Some related plants to the Sweet Pignut include:
- Carya Illinoinensis (Pecan)
- Carya Tomentosa (Mockernut Hickory)
- Carya Glabra (Pignut Hickory)
- Carya Cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory)
References
- “Carya Ovalis.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282829&isprofile=0&basic=carya%20ovalis.
- “Carya Ovalis.” USDA Plants Database. United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CAOV3.
- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2016.
