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Bitternut Hickory

Carya Cordiformis

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Overview

Carya cordiformis, known as Bitternut Hickory, is a towering deciduous tree, reaching heights of 50-80 feet. Its slender, upturned branches bear pinnate leaves, with foliage turning golden yellow in fall. Producing inedible nuts encased in thin husks, this tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It's notable for its ridged gray bark and serves as an excellent tall shade or specimen tree in spacious landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–10Type TreeClimate Temperate
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — this tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
5–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Juglandaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (78)

Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — which is important to consider when designing a location for planting; are a food source for squirrels and, image 54
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — golden-yellow autumn foliage
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — Carya cordiformis, known as Bitternut Hickory, is a towering deciduous tree, reaching heights of 50-80 feet; this tree
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — are a food source for squirrels and other mammals
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — Its leaves are pinnately compound; and the tree possesses a long taproot, image 56
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — Its slender, upturned branches bear pinnate leaves, with foliage turning golden yellow in fall
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — while not ideal for human consumption; and the tree possesses a long taproot
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — Its leaves are pinnately compound; and the tree possesses a long taproot
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — Birds and other fauna also enjoy the habitat provided by the dense foliage
Bitternut Hickory (Carya Cordiformis) — which is important to consider when designing a location for planting
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Carya Cordiformis
Photographs by 4 contributors

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