Carya cordiformis

Bitternut Hickory

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Large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for bitter edible nuts and compound leaves with 9-17 leaflets.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Half-shade pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Bitternut Hickory
Family Juglandaceae
Genus Carya
Species Cordiformis
Origin Eastern North America
Blooming Trees, monoecious; catkins appear with leaves in spring
Leaf Color Bright green turning yellow-orange in fall
Sunlight Half-shade
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Deep, well-drained loamy soil with good moisture retention during establishment; pH 5.0-7.0

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Watering

Moderate watering once established; drought tolerant but prefers consistent moisture in first few years

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Sunlight & Care

Requires full sun for optimal growth and nut production; tolerates partial shade when young

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Fertilization

Generally not needed in fertile soils; slow-release fertilizer if soil is poor or stunted

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Pruning

Prune young trees to develop structure; remove dead wood in dormant season (winter)

Pest Control Aphid Caterpillar Hickory Bark Beetle Leafhopper

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 6 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
-4° – 100°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
30% – 75%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
5000 – 80000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1000 – 2500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
20% – 65%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
450 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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