Carya cordiformis
Bitternut Hickory
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 75-100' tall and wide. Slow to medium growth rate, 12-24" per year. Maximum age around 200 years.
Native Range
Kentucky Native — Eastern United States.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are monoecious, male catkins in 3s at base of new growth, 3-4" long, and pendulous, yellow-green, female flowers are short, 4-angled, terminal spike. Fruits are round nuts enclosed by a 4-winged husk, late August to mid October.
Leaf and Bark Features
Golden yellow-brown fall color. Bark is gray to brown and shallowly furrowed.
Culture and Care
Grows in moderately acid to alkaline soil, pH 5.6-8.0. Common on moderately fine, silty or sandy clays. Tolerates poor drainage, wet to dry soil. Disease and insect problems are infrequent, occasionally bark beetles in drought.