Bitternut Hickory
Carya cordiformis · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Nut Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (no specific cultivar identified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a straight trunk and a rounded, spreading crown. It is the most slender of the hickories. It features a moderately dense canopy and a moderate growth rate, reaching elegant proportions at maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, 6-10 inches long, usually with 7 to 9 lanceolate leaflets. Leaflets are bright green, finely serrated, and turn a golden-yellow in the fall. Arrangement is alternate.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown bark that remains relatively smooth for many years compared to other hickories. As it ages, it develops shallow, diamond-shaped fissures and thin, firm interlacing ridges; it does not shaggy or peel away like the Shagbark Hickory.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Florida and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (May); flowers (catkins) appear in April or May; nuts mature in autumn (September–October); dormant in winter with distinctive sulfur-yellow buds.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade. It is highly adaptable to various soil moistures, including moist bottomlands and dry upland slopes. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-80 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet. Growth rate is moderate; lifespan is typically 150-200 years.
Special Characteristics
Features unique bright sulfur-yellow winter buds. The wood is extremely hard and heavy, often used for tool handles and smoking meats (hickory-smoked flavor). Bitter nuts are generally inedible for humans due to high tannin content.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides food for squirrels, mice, and some birds who can tolerate the bitter taste. Host plant for various moth larvae including the Luna Moth and Regal Moth. Provides excellent nesting structure for canopy-dwelling birds.