Hickory, Pignut

Here we have the Pignut Hickory, or Carya glabra, which is common throughout the Midwest. Pioneers called it "broom hickory" for its use in making scrub brushes from saplings. This medium-sized tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and is slow-growing but long-lived, often reaching 300 years old. It thrives in wooded uplands and dry ridges, preferring deep, well-drained, moist soils, typically alongside other hickory species. Feel the extremely hard, dark gray bark, which is narrow, flat, and slightly shaggy. Each leaf consists of 5 or 7 smooth, dark yellowish-green leaflets, usually about 1 foot long. The tree bears both male and female flowers, with drooping clusters and short spikes appearing in late April and May. Squirrels and other rodents heavily enjoy the round fruit, with husks often remaining on the nut. Despite its small size, the nut is sometimes eaten by wild turkeys and mallards. In fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow, making the Pignut Hickory a strong and attractive addition to any yard.