Carya cordiformis
Bitternut Hickory

Carya cordiformis - Overall Tree Habit
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flowers:
Green (Not ornamentally important)
 Foliage:
Green (Coarse textured green foliage in the summer); Yellow (Fall)
 Fruit:
Brown (Bitter nut, inedible to humans; can be a litter problem)
 Ultimate Height:
50-80 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
30-50 feet
 Light Requirements:
 Soil:
Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils
 Range:
Eastern North America
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, 6-10" long, usually with seven 3-6" long leaflets. The long, blunt, and flattened buds have a strong yellow coloration, especially notable in the winter.
 Ecological Functions:
 Special Characteristics:
  • Fast Growth Rate 228
  • Notable Texture 278
  • Indiana Native 154
  • Park Tree 39
  • Shade Tree 172

    • Additional Information

    Carya cordiformis is naturally found growing in low woodlands and along rivers, streams, and ponds. This is one of the fastest growing of the hickories. The long taproot can make this species difficult to transplant. There are no serious insect or disease threats.

    When Carya cordiformis has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    7 Carya cordiformis found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    1ORIG_2371*AME
    2ORIG_1391*ASC
    3ORIG_1399*ASC
    4ORIG_2372*AME
    5ORIG_3652*ASHRV
    6ORIG_5073*ASCPA
    72021_00076*ATARK

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