Shellbark Hickory
AKA Kingnut, and for a reason! This is the hickory with the largest nuts, and they are prized for their sweetness and general edibility. They do take long to bear (10-12 years) but the wait is worth it. As a genus, hickories are slow growing and majestic, big trees, one of our greatest and most valuable “climax” forest species east of the Mississippi. Same genus as pecan (Carya illinoensis)
Growing conditions: Because of its habit of germinating in dense Appalachian forests, Carya lacinosa is very tolerant of shade. It has a deep taproot and prefers fertile, moist soils. Does not do well in heavy clay. Prefers bottomland although not necessary to it thriving.
Size at maturity: 100’ spread of up to 50’
Uses: Food! These nuts are delicious. My granny used to make a hickory nut cake. Laborious to process, a quick way to get the nutrition of the nut is by making hickory milk. Crush up the nuts shell and all, throw in a pot with water, boil for 20 min, strain, add a bit of maple syrup. YUM.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 5-8
AKA Kingnut, and for a reason! This is the hickory with the largest nuts, and they are prized for their sweetness and general edibility. They do take long to bear (10-12 years) but the wait is worth it. As a genus, hickories are slow growing and majestic, big trees, one of our greatest and most valuable “climax” forest species east of the Mississippi. Same genus as pecan (Carya illinoensis)
Growing conditions: Because of its habit of germinating in dense Appalachian forests, Carya lacinosa is very tolerant of shade. It has a deep taproot and prefers fertile, moist soils. Does not do well in heavy clay. Prefers bottomland although not necessary to it thriving.
Size at maturity: 100’ spread of up to 50’
Uses: Food! These nuts are delicious. My granny used to make a hickory nut cake. Laborious to process, a quick way to get the nutrition of the nut is by making hickory milk. Crush up the nuts shell and all, throw in a pot with water, boil for 20 min, strain, add a bit of maple syrup. YUM.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 5-8
AKA Kingnut, and for a reason! This is the hickory with the largest nuts, and they are prized for their sweetness and general edibility. They do take long to bear (10-12 years) but the wait is worth it. As a genus, hickories are slow growing and majestic, big trees, one of our greatest and most valuable “climax” forest species east of the Mississippi. Same genus as pecan (Carya illinoensis)
Growing conditions: Because of its habit of germinating in dense Appalachian forests, Carya lacinosa is very tolerant of shade. It has a deep taproot and prefers fertile, moist soils. Does not do well in heavy clay. Prefers bottomland although not necessary to it thriving.
Size at maturity: 100’ spread of up to 50’
Uses: Food! These nuts are delicious. My granny used to make a hickory nut cake. Laborious to process, a quick way to get the nutrition of the nut is by making hickory milk. Crush up the nuts shell and all, throw in a pot with water, boil for 20 min, strain, add a bit of maple syrup. YUM.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 5-8