Discover the Hardy Pignut Hickory: A Native Tree with Wildlife Value

The Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) is a strong and stately native tree belonging to the walnut family. It graces the eastern, southeastern, and central USA with its presence. This deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 80 feet. It displays a dense oval to rounded form. Notably, the wood is valued for its strength. It adapts well to various soil types. These include fertile sandy or clay loams with good drainage. Thriving in sun to partial sun, it demonstrates good drought tolerance once established. Many different wildlife species consume its nuts, even though they can be bitter to the taste. Throughout the seasons, it offers visual interest. Reddish leaves emerge in spring. These are followed by yellow foliage in the fall. For those seeking a wildlife-friendly shade tree for larger spaces, the Pignut Hickory is a fine choice

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1 Gallon

$4.00

3 Gallon

$8.00

7 Gallon

$22.00

A stately Pignut Hickory displays its fall color and oval crown, offering shade and sustenance for wildlife.

Scientific Name: Carya glabra
Common Name: Pignut Hickory, Broom Hickory, Coast Pignut Hickory, Pignut, Red Hickory, Small Fruited Hickory, Smoothbark Hickory, Swamp Hickory, Sweet Pignut Hickory, Switch Hickory
Hardiness Zones: 5A through 9B
Height: Up to 80 feet
Spread: Up to 40 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Spring: Reddish compound leaves emerge. Summer: The leaves mature to a dark green. Fall: The foliage turns a noticeable yellow, providing seasonal color.
Bark: Young trees possess smooth bark with shallow cracks. As the tree ages, the bark develops flat, sharp-edged ridges. These form a distinctive diamond-like pattern.
Sun: Full sun to partial sun is suitable for this tree.
Soil: The Pignut Hickory adapts to fertile sandy or clay loams. Good drainage is important for its health. It also tolerates a range from well-drained to occasionally wet soils.
Wildlife Value: This tree is beneficial for wildlife. Its nuts, while sometimes bitter, are eaten by squirrels and chipmunks. Black bears, deer, and foxes also consume them. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for the Banded Hairstreak butterfly and many moths, including the Luna moth.

Why Choose Pignut Hickory?

Strong and Durable Native Shade Tree:

The Pignut Hickory is known as a strong tree. It offers reliable shade for large yards and parks. Its branches show good resistance to breakage during storms. Therefore, it is a practical and long-lasting choice for a shade tree.

Leucistic Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Attracts Diverse Wildlife with Edible Nuts:

This native hickory provides a valuable food source for various wildlife. Squirrels, chipmunks, and even larger animals like bears and deer consume its nuts. Furthermore, it supports important butterfly and moth species. This makes it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Adaptable to Various Soil Conditions:

The Pignut Hickory demonstrates adaptability to different soil types. It can grow in sandy or clay loams. It also tolerates both well-drained and occasionally wet conditions. This makes it a versatile option for various landscape settings.

Three Seasons of Visual Interest:

Gardeners can appreciate the Pignut Hickory’s visual appeal throughout the year. Reddish leaves emerge in the spring. These transition to green in summer. Finally, a lovely yellow fall color provides a striking end to the growing season.

Environmental Benefits of Planting Pignut Hickory

This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.

CO2 Offset

A single pignut hickory can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 15,556 miles.

Water Filtration

A single pignut hickory can absorb enough stormwater to fill 1,654 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.

Removes Air Pollution

A single pignut hickory removes as much air pollution as the weight of 229 smartphones.

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