- For other meanings of Hickory please see Hickory (disambiguation).
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Shagbark Hickory
Photo ©2003 courtesy S. Sweeney |
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Hickory is a tree of the genus Carya (which also includes Pecan). The genus includes about 25 species of deciduous trees with pinnately compound leaves and large nuts. All but one of the species are native to North America, the single exception being from China.
Species:
- Carya aquatica Water Hickory
- Carya carolinae Southern Shagbark Hhickory
- Carya cathayensis Chinese Hickory
- Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory
- Carya floridens Scrub Hickory
- Carya glabra Pignut Hickory
- Carya illinoinensis Pecan
- Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory
- Carya myristiciformis Nutmeg Hockory
- Carya ovalis Red Hickory
- Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory
- Carya pallida Sand Hickory
- Carya texana Black Hickory
- Carya tomentosa (syn. C. alba) Mockernut Hickory
Hickory flowers are anemophilous and self incompatible, so two clonal (grafted) trees cannot pollenize each other. Two or more varieties must be planted for pollination. Seedlings (grown from hickory nuts) will usually have sufficient genetic variation.
Uses
Hickory wood is extremely tough, yet flexible, and is valuable for tool handles, bows, etc. It is also highly prized for woodburning stoves, because of its high caloric content. Hickory wood is also a preferred type for smoke curing meats. The nuts of some species are palatable; while others are bitter, and only suitable for animal feed. Shagbark and Shellbark Hickories are regarded by some as the finest nut trees. A bark extract from Shagbark Hickory is also used in an edible syrup that is similar to maple syrup, with a slightly bitter, smoky taste.
External link
de:Hickory
