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Carya glabra

pignut hickory

A very large, slow-growing deciduous tree with an oval-shaped crown and deep root system, also known by its common name of 'pignut hickory'. It can reach a maximum height of around 30m, but is smaller if cultured. Smooth, grey bark in young specimens turns to a textured brown as the tree matures and the pendulous foliage emerges brownish-green, changing to glossy pale green in the summer and then finally golden-yellow in the autumn. Fruits are nut-like and pear-shaped with a brown shell, and only appear on very mature specimens. Although edible, they are very bitter and tend to be favoured more by wildlife

Other common names
brown hickory
hognut
see morepignut hickory
small-fruited hickory
pignut
Synonyms
Carya porcina
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Green Brown
Summer Green Brown
Autumn Gold Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Juglandaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Pendulous weeping, 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

How to grow

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

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
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

Get involved

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