Hickory Trees

The scientific name of hickory trees is Carya species. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for nut while species name varies according to cultivar. They share the same plant family with pecans and walnuts. In fact, hickory and pecan trees are similar to each other. Many hobbyists find it challenging to differentiate hickories from pecans, when they are planted together. With the arrival of autumn season, the deep green leaves of hickory trees turn bright yellow or golden color.

Identification

Indigenous to Eastern North America, there are several varieties of hickory trees. If you know the basics of tree identification, identifying hickory trees will come easily to you. Some key features that help in differentiating this deciduous tree from others are canopy shape, leaf shape, bark and nuts.

• A young hickory tree appears somewhat broad and round, while at maturity, hickory tree is perfectly straight and grow to about 80-100 feet. The tree spread is relatively narrow as compared to its height.
• Coming to hickory tree leaf identification, the pinnately compound leaf is arranged alternately. It measures 8-22 inch in length, and bears 5-14 leaflets, depending upon the tree species. The individual leaflets are elongated oval in shape, dark green in color, smooth textured and are less viened.
• Another characteristic attribute of these trees is their brownish gray colored bark. It is not smooth like other nut bearing trees. In mature hickory trees, bark is rough with ridges and cracks. The peels curl slightly, thereby giving a shaggy look.
• The male and female flowers are borne separately. While green male flowers are developed in clusters on an elongated inflorescence, the female flowers are inconspicuous. The mode of pollination is anemophilous, meaning they are pollinated by wind.
• Last but not the least, examine the nuts of these deciduous trees. They are about 1 inch diameter and break open easily when dried. At the ripe stage, the outer layer splits up into four sections and inside, you will find a thin, whitish colored, edible nutmeat.

Growing Information

The hickory tree facts about application is known to us since a long time. This extremely hard wood is used in furniture works, and in making wooden tools and equipment. Speaking from cultivation point of view, they are hardy trees that are tolerant to USDA hardiness zone 4 and above. If you are planning to include hickory trees in your landscape design, the following info will interest you.

Planting Site and Soil
Hickories grow best in full sunlight, but these deciduous trees can tolerate partial shade condition. The ideal soil for inducing optimal growth of hickory is rich, loamy soil that has no drainage problems. So, before planting, prepare your garden soil to meet these soil requirements.

Hickory Variety
Basically there are two main types of hickory trees, true hickory and pecan hickory. They differ in the number of leaflets present per leaf petiole. While a true variety possesses 5-7 leaflets, the pecan type bears 9-17 leaflets per leaf. Both these hickories bear edible nuts in fall.

Propagation Method
Speaking about how to grow hickory tree, you can opt for seed plantation. While propagation by young trees is possible, the deep tap roots may get damaged during transplanting trees. Hence, hickory tree seeds collected during fall are used more often for plantation.

Seed Treatment
Sorting of viable hickory tree seeds can be done by soaking them in water. The ones that sink are viable, while those that float on water will not germinate. For quick germination, seeds are soaked for 4 days. This preparatory step loosens the hull for easy germination of seeds.

Select Variety
Planting of hickory trees from seed is best done in fall or spring, after last frost is over. Dig soil and place hickory nuts about 4 inch below the top soil surface. This will provide ideal condition for germination of hickory seeds. The roots will develop first and continue to grow for a few weeks, before sprouting of the upper leafy part take place.

Note that your task for planting hickory trees is not over with placing viable nuts in soil. You have to keep a watch over the area, and protect from attacks by chipmunks and squirrels. These creatures are fond of eating hickory nuts, and they may dig soil for the nutty meal. Also, during germination period, you are expected to keep the soil moist at all times, but do not make it wet or soggy, as it will cause root rotting of your young hickory plants.