Pignut Hickory
carya glabra
Also known as: ["Pignut","Red Hickory","Smoothbark Hickory"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its hard wood and edible nuts.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Juglandaceae |
| Genus: | Carya |
| Botanical Name: | Carya glabra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor planting in a spacious garden or park setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–28–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade during intense summer heat; tolerates some shade in winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; use shade cloth in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates seasonal fluctuations but avoids prolonged extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; can also be propagated by root cuttings or grafting.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect fresh seeds or take cuttings.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant/seal cuttings.
- Maintain conditions.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and partial shade for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam for root cuttings.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may aid root cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate; root cuttings can root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, seed starting mix, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and improve air circulation; focus on structural integrity.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds/branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted; typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring moisture penetrates deeply; allow excess water to drain freely; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, premature leaf drop, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide winter protection (mulch, burlap wrap); avoid planting in frost pockets; choose hardy cultivars for colder regions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced vigor, and potential bud drop during prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; follow dilution rates; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop feeding in late fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe nuts of Carya glabra are not considered toxic to cats when consumed in small to moderate amounts. However, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in small to moderate quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicThe nuts of Carya glabra are not considered toxic to dogs when consumed in small to moderate amounts. However, large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal upset due to their richness.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in small to moderate quantities
Humans
Non-toxicThe nuts of Carya glabra, commonly known as pignut hickory, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fat content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the nuts of Carya glabra edible?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible but have a small kernel and are often not highly favored for consumption.
Q: How tall does Carya glabra grow?
A: It can grow up to 50–80 feet tall with a spread of 30–50 feet.
Q: Is Carya glabra suitable for urban environments?
A: It is not typically recommended for urban environments due to its large size and space requirements.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Juglandaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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