Carya cordiformisIndiana Native
Bitternut Hickory

Family:

Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) 11

Genus:

Carya (Hickory Pecan Hican) 8

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 574

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Green (Spring; Not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Coarse textured green foliage in the summer); Yellow (Fall)

Stem Notes:

stout, buff, smooth stems

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Bitter nut, inedible to humans; can be a litter problem; Fall)

Ultimate Height:

50-80 feet

Ultimate Spread:

30-50 feet

Bloom Times:

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 203

Soil Notes:

Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils

Range:

Eastern North America

Maintenance:

Low 274

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, 6-10" long, usually with seven 3-6" long leaflets. The long, blunt, and flattened buds have a strong yellow coloration, especially notable in the winter.

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Hickory

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.

Plant Photo Gallery

Overall Tree Habit

Bark

Leaf

Flower

Immature Fruit

Buds

Bark close up

Habit - Winter

Canopy - Winter

When Carya cordiformis has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

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Fruiting

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

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13 Carya cordiformis found

Building Map...

= Heritage plant = Memorial plant

Number	Accession ID	Location
1	ORIG_2371*A	ME
2	ORIG_1391*A	SC
3	ORIG_1399*A	SC
4	ORIG_2372*A	ME
5	ORIG_3652*A	TREC
6	2021_00076*A	TARK
7	2024_00025*A	HORTPARK
8	2024_00025*B	HORTPARK
9	2024_00025*C	HORTPARK
10	2024_00025*D	HORTPARK
11	2024_00025*E	HORTPARK
12	2024_00025*F	HORTPARK
13	2024_00025*G	HORTPARK