Hickory
Hickory is the common name for deciduous trees in the genus Carya, part of the walnut family Juglandaceae.
Hickory is the common name for deciduous trees in the genus Carya, part of the walnut family Juglandaceae. Hickories are timber and nut-producing trees, with about 18–19 recognised species native mainly to North America and East Asia.
Taxonomy
Hickories are the genus Carya in the walnut family Juglandaceae. Modern sources differ slightly on the number of accepted species, but commonly report about 18 or 19 species.
Distribution
Most hickory species are native to North America, while others occur in eastern Asia. Fossil remains indicate the genus once had a wider historical distribution across parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Characteristics
Hickories are deciduous trees with pinnately compound leaves, small catkin flowers, and large nuts enclosed in a fleshy husk. Many species are known for strong, tough wood and for shaggy or peeling bark.
Uses
Hickories are grown and used for timber, ornamental planting, and edible nuts. Some species are especially valued for their dense wood and their role in nut production.
Key facts
- Hickories belong to the walnut family Juglandaceae and are classified in the genus Carya.
- They are deciduous hardwood trees valued for timber and, in several species, edible nuts.
- About 15 species are native to North America, with the remainder native to eastern Asia.
- Fossil evidence of the genus has been found in western North America, Greenland, Iceland, and Europe.
- Hickory leaves are pinnately compound, and the fruits are hard-shelled nuts enclosed in a husk that splits at maturity.
Some hickory species extend into Canada, and hickories are part of eastern North American forests and woodlands relevant to Canadian ecology and forestry.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hickory tree?
How many species of hickory are there?
Where do hickories grow naturally?
Do hickories produce edible nuts?
What family do hickories belong to?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/hickory-plantSupports: Genus Carya; approximate species count; native range; fossil distribution.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HickorySupports: Species count used by Plants of the World Online; geographic distribution; uses.
- New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/HickorySupports: General description of morphology; family; nuts; leaves.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hickorySupports: Definition of hickory as genus Carya and wood use.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/hickory-citySupports: General tree description; family; timber and nut uses.