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Plant Database

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Amazing Plants in North Carolina

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Carya cordiformis

Genus: Carya - Species: cordiformis - Family: Juglandaceae

Phonetic Spelling: KAIR-yuh kord-ih-FOR-miss

Common Names:

  • Bitter Hickory
  • Bitternut
  • Bitternut Hickory
  • Bitter Pecan
  • Pig Hickory
  • Red Hickory
  • Swamp Hickory
  • White Hickory

Tags

pollinator plant
butterfly friendly
wildlife friendly
deciduous
landscape plant sleuths course
bird friendly
Braham Arboretum
NC native
non-toxic for horses
non-toxic for dogs
non-toxic for cats
food source hard mast fruit
nighttime garden
larval host plant
food source fall
food source herbage
Audubon
moth caterpillar host
fall color
Piedmont Mountains FACU
Coastal FAC
mammals
hickory horndevil moth

Quick Facts

  • Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in.
  • Width: 25 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
  • USDA Zones:
    • 7a
    • 7b
    • 8a
    • 8b
    • 9a
    • 9b
    • 6a
    • 6b
    • 4a
    • 4b
    • 5a
    • 5b
  • NC Region:Not specified

  • Origin:Eastern Canada to Central & Eastern United States.

  • Life Cycle:
    • Woody
  • Plant Types:
    • Perennial
    • Tree
    • Native Plant
  • Habit:Not specified

Distribution

Northeast Canada west to Nebraska, south to Texas and east to Florida.

Uses

Said to be somewhat inferior to the other hickories, but is used for the same purposes: tool handles, furniture, interior paneling, and sporting goods. Also used to smoke ham and bacon.

Tree form (Monroe County, NY)-Early Fall
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