treeN. America Native

Pignut Hickory

Carya glabra

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

200+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but juglone from roots can affect nearby plants.

The Story

Plant Bio

Carya glabra is a large, long-lived deciduous tree native to eastern North America, characterized by its compound leaves, tight gray bark, and a deep taproot. It is a dominant species in oak-hickory forests. This species is valued for its extremely hard, durable wood, used for tool handles and smoking meats. Its pear-shaped nuts, while edible, have thick shells and small kernels, hence the name 'pignut'.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

As a landscape tree, Pignut Hickory offers a noble, high-canopied form that provides excellent shade. Its compound leaves create a pleasing texture, and its clear yellow to golden-brown fall color is outstanding. The tight, diamond-patterned bark adds winter interest.

The wood is renowned for its strength, hardness, and shock resistance, making it ideal for tool handles, flooring, and furniture. It is also one of the best woods for smoking meats, imparting a classic, rich flavor.

Pignut Hickory is a keystone species in eastern forests. It is a host plant for the larvae of several giant silk moths, including the Luna Moth. The nuts are a critical, high-fat food source for squirrels, black bears, foxes, and various game birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a large, open site with deep, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container.
Carefully remove the tree and place it in the hole.
Ensure the root flare is slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, watering gently to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and regularly for the first two years to establish the taproot.

Pro Tip

Plant young, container-grown trees as the deep taproot makes transplanting larger specimens very difficult and often unsuccessful.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its mature size.
Protect young trees from deer browse.
Allow leaves to decompose on the forest floor in naturalized areas.
Be patient; hickories are slow-growing but incredibly long-lived.

Don't

Don't plant near gardens or plants sensitive to juglone.
Avoid soil compaction over the root zone from vehicles or heavy foot traffic.
Don't attempt to transplant mature trees.
Avoid excessive fertilization; it's adapted to forest soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately shade tree for large propertiesGolden-yellow accent in autumn landscapesKey component of wildlife and restoration plantings

Companion Plants

Quercus alba (White Oak) Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pignut Hickory questions

What zones can Pignut Hickory grow in?

Pignut Hickory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pignut Hickory deer resistant?

Yes — Pignut Hickory is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pignut Hickory bloom?

Pignut Hickory typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pignut Hickory need full sun?

Pignut Hickory does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pignut Hickory drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pignut Hickory handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.