Contents
Description
Carya is a genus of deciduous trees commonly known as hickories that belong to the Juglandaceae family. This genus comprises 19 species that are native to North America and Asia. Hickories are valuable hardwood trees that produce nuts that are edible for humans and wildlife. They are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to decay, making them ideal for furniture making, flooring, and tool handles.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Carya |
Appearance
Hickories are deciduous trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall. They have a long taproot, which makes them difficult to transplant, and a spreading canopy with compound leaves that consist of 5-17 leaflets. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and serrated, with a yellow-green color in the spring and summer and turning yellow or brown in the fall. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in the spring in catkins. The fruit is a nut enclosed in a four-valved husk, which splits open at maturity. The nuts are round or oval, and their size, shape, and flavor vary depending on the species.
Care Guide
Hickories are relatively low-maintenance trees that require little care once established. Here are some tips for caring for your hickory tree:
Water
Hickories prefer well-drained soil and require moderate watering during the growing season. Make sure the soil around the tree is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Hickories do not require fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote growth.
Soil
Hickories prefer well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Sunlight
Hickories prefer full sun to partial shade, and they require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Hardiness Zones
Hickories are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, depending on the species. Make sure to choose a species that is suitable for your climate.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hickories are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can suffer from the following:
Pests
- Hickory shuckworm
- Hickory leaf stem gall phylloxera
- Pecan weevil
- Hickory bark beetle
Diseases
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spot
- Verticillium wilt
- Canker
Habitat
Hickories are native to North America and Asia, and they grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the most common species of hickory?
A: The most common species of hickory is Carya ovata, also known as the shagbark hickory.
Q: Are hickory nuts edible?
A: Yes, hickory nuts are edible and have a sweet, nutty flavor. They are often used in baked goods and as a snack.
Q: Can hickories be grown in containers?
A: Hickories are not suitable for container gardening because of their large size and deep taproot.
Q: What is the wood of hickory trees used for?
A: Hickory wood is valued for its strength, durability, and shock resistance, making it ideal for tool handles, furniture, and flooring.
Related Plants
- Juglans (walnut)
- Carya illinoinensis (pecan)
- Carya cordiformis (bitternut hickory)
- Carya glabra (pignut hickory)
- Carya tomentosa (mockernut hickory)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2011). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Carya. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CARYA
- Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). Carya. Retrieved from https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=57
