Pignut Hickory
Carya glabra · Deciduous hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (no widely planted distinct cultivars)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous tree featuring a tall, straight trunk and a rounded to oval crown. It has a moderate to slow growth rate and forms strong structural branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, typically with 5 to 7 leaflets, lanceolate to oblong in shape with finely serrated margins and a smooth, medium green upper surface.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray bark with tight, narrow interlacing ridges forming a diamond pattern, generally not peeling like the shagbark hickory.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out and flowering in April-May, nuts maturing in autumn, dormancy through winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; highly adaptable to average moisture levels with good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 60 feet; long-lived hardwood.
Special Characteristics
Known for hard, tough wood historically used for tool handles, excellent yellow fall foliage, and good tolerance to dry upland soils.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nuts consumed by squirrels, turkeys, and various mammals; serves as a host plant for numerous caterpillar species and provides nesting habitat for birds.