Carya cordiformis
bitternut
A spreading, deciduous tree eventually reaching up to 25m tall. Large, dark green leaves up to 30cm long open from yellow winter buds and are divided into oval or oblong leaflets- usually seven but sometimes five or nine. Yellow-green spring flowers are followed by rounded or pear-shaped nuts 2-4cm long with an edible but bitter nut
Synonyms
Carya minimaCarya amara
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Juglandaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Carya are vigorous deciduous trees of handsome appearance, the large pinnate leaves colouring well in the autumn; male flowers are in catkins, females are insignificant spikes, followed by nuts, the kernels of some being edible
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NE US
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed; seedlings rapidly develop a deep tap root and resent disturbance so plant out in permanent position in the first year
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown gall, powdery mildews and leaf spot- see leaf damage on woody plants
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