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Bitternut hickory

Carya cordiformis | Family: Juglandaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

in rows, medium-sized, soft texture, yellow-green

Twigs—

thin, long, very fragile, dull gray-brown color

Flowers—

Insignificant

Fruit—

smaller, rounder, yellow fruit with ridges

Bark—

not too rough, dull gray-brown

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

about 200 years.

General description—

This fast-growing tree is a member of the walnut family, however, the nuts are too bitter for eating. This shade-tolerant tree grows best in deep moist soils with full sun.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to North America and commonly found in Ohio

Conservation status—

No serious threats from diseases and insects.

Uses—

Used as an ornamental tree and wood is used as firewood. It is a hassle for humans to clean up their leaves since this tree easily loses all of its leaves in early fall.

References:

  1. “Bitternut Hickory” ohiodnr.gov, ODNR division of forestry, http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/bitternuthickory
  2. Wood, Miranda. “The Bitternut Hickory,” miamioh.edu, Miami University, http://www.cas.miamioh.edu/~meicenrd/BOT155/SpeciesList/SecondExam2012/Carya_cordiformus.pdf
  3. “Carya Cordiformis,” missouribotanicalgarden.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d375

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