hickory

Hickory is the common name for several species within the genus Carya in the walnut family (Juglandaceae). Native largely to eastern North America, hickories are valued for their hard, dense wood and edible nuts. The group includes shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa), and pecan (Carya illinoinensis).

These are deciduous trees with pinnate leaves typically bearing 5–9 leaflets. Bark texture varies by species; shagbark hickory is especially noted for its shaggy, peeling plates. Heights commonly range from 20 to 35 meters, with some individuals exceeding 40 meters in favorable conditions, and they prefer well-drained soils in temperate forests.

Wood is very hard, dense, and shock resistant, making it valuable for tool handles, furniture, flooring, and sporting goods. It is also used to smoke foods, imparting a distinctive flavor.

Nuts produced by many hickory species are edible and used by people in baking and snacks, though kernels can range from sweet to bitter and often require processing to improve flavor.

Ecology and distribution: Hickories are native to eastern North America, with some species widely cultivated elsewhere. They are long-lived, slow-growing trees that provide mast for wildlife and contribute to forest structure and biodiversity.