Contents
Description
Carya myristiciformis, commonly known as the nutmeg hickory, is a species of hickory tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The tree has a dense and rounded crown, and bark that is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed. The leaves are pinnately compound with 7 to 9 leaflets that are lanceolate in shape, and up to 30 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous and the fruit is a large nut with a thick, hard shell.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Carya |
Appearance
The nutmeg hickory is a medium to large deciduous tree with a dense and rounded crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed. The leaves are pinnately compound with 7 to 9 leaflets that are lanceolate in shape, up to 30 cm long, and have serrated edges. The leaves turn a golden yellow color in the fall. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a large nut with a thick, hard shell that is enclosed in a husk.
Care Guide
The nutmeg hickory tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic soil. The tree should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The tree is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The nutmeg hickory tree is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests are hickory shuckworms, pecan weevils, and borers. These pests can cause damage to the nuts and branches of the tree. The most common diseases are hickory anthracnose, leaf spot, and cankers. These diseases can cause leaf drop, stem cankers, and dieback.
Habitat
The nutmeg hickory tree is native to the southeastern United States, and can be found from Texas to Florida and up to Illinois. It grows in a variety of habitats, including upland forests, river bottoms, and wetlands. The tree is tolerant of flooding and can grow in areas with periodic flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the nutmeg hickory tree fast-growing?
A: No, the nutmeg hickory tree is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Can the nutmeg hickory tree be grown in a container?
A: No, the nutmeg hickory tree is not suitable for container growing due to its large size.
Q: How tall can the nutmeg hickory tree grow?
A: The nutmeg hickory tree can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Q: Does the nutmeg hickory tree produce edible nuts?
A: Yes, the nutmeg hickory tree produces edible nuts that have a rich, nutty flavor.
Related Plants
- Carya glabra (pignut hickory)
- Carya ovata (shagbark hickory)
- Carya tomentosa (mockernut hickory)
- Carya illinoinensis (pecan)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plant guide: Nutmeg hickory (Carya myristiciformis). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_camy.pdf
