Carya glabra
Pignut, Small fruited hickory, Broom hickory, Hognut
Also known as Carya porcina
- Height × spread
- 24m × 12m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a tough tree that comes late into leaf. Fresh pinnate leaves appear from red brown buds after most other trees are fully clad. The leaves comprise of five to seven pointed leaflets, the one at the end of the twig being larger than the rest. These are a slightly yellowish green but take on wonderful burnished old gold tones in the autumn before leaf fall. The fruits form small rather bitter kernels. The wood of this tree is exceptionally hard and was used to make the hubs of wheels for covered wagons, axe handles and skis. The tree is tolerant of poor soil and dry sites, but gives its best in sunshine in rich deep loam. It can eventually reach up to 24m (80ft) in height with a 12m (40ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Gold-orange
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 24m
- Spread
- 12m
- Height in 10 years
- 12m
- Spread in 10 years
- 8m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.