About

Carya glabra, commonly referred to as pignut hickory, is a substantial deciduous tree known for its slow growth and rounded crown shape. This species can attain heights of approximately 30 meters, though it often remains smaller when cultivated. Young trees feature smooth, gray bark that evolves into a rough, brown texture as they age. The tree's drooping leaves emerge with a brownish-green hue, transitioning to a shiny pale green throughout the summer months, before turning a golden-yellow in the fall. The fruit, which resembles a pear and has a brown shell, develops only on mature trees. While the nuts are technically edible, their pronounced bitterness makes them more appealing to wildlife than to humans.

About the genus

Carya comprises robust deciduous trees known for their appealing form. The large, compound leaves display vivid autumn hues. Male flowers appear as catkins, while the female flowers are less noticeable, developing into nuts. Some of these nuts contain edible kernels.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Trees

Habit

Columnar upright, Pendulous weeping, Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

Higher than 12 metres

Spread

wider than 8 metres

Time to full height

20-50 years

Suggested uses

Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in a deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Propagation

Propagate by seed; seedlings rapidly develop a deep tap root and resent disturbance so plant out in permanent position in the first year

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to crown gall, powdery mildews and leaf spot- see leaf damage on woody plants