Carya cordiformis
bitternut hickory, pignut, noyer amer, swamp hickory
Family
Juglandaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
sessile
Leaf Margin
serrate
Leaf Type
compound, odd-pinnate
Growth Form
tree
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Flower Month
March - May
Height (meters)
30.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FAC
Field Characters
A large tree with kidney-shaped nut having bitter meat. It is easily distinguished by its mustard yellow valvate buds. 7-9 ovate-lanceolate leaflets. Buds less than 3/4”.
Habitat
Low wet woods near the borders of streams and swamps, high rolling uplands, woods.
Plant Uses
About four-fifths of all hickory wood goes into the manufacture of tool handles, for which no other wood is as well suited. It is also used in agricultural implements, athletic goods such as bats, and interior parts of furniture.