Carya cordiformis
Bitter Nut hickory, Swamp hickory
- Height × spread
- 24m × 13m
- 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
The hickory is a big tree with pinnate leaves. The individual leaflets are large and oval, turning from mid-green to yellow in autumn. The bark is shaggy and flaking. There are autumn fruits which are husky and contain edible, though bitter-tasting nuts. Bright yellow buds add a splash of colour in winter. This is a slender tree with branches slightly uplifted at their ends giving a light appearance. It is best grown in the south as it likes hot summers, but it is slow growing and will take many years to achieve a medium-sized tree.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Fruit colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 24m
- Spread
- 13m
- 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, tolerates light 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.