mockernut hickory
Carya tomentosa (Lam.) Nutt.
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Form & Habitat
mockernut hickory form and habitat mockernut hickory form and habitat
Leaves
mockernut hickory leaf mockernut hickory leaves mockernut hickory leaf mockernut hickory leaves mockernut hickory leaves mockernut hickory leaflet mockernut hickory leaves: underside mockernut hickory leaves: midrib
Twigs
mockernut hickory twigs mockernut hickory twigs mockernut hickory twigs: buds mockernut hickory twigs: buds mockernut hickory twigs: buds mockernut hickory twigs: leaf scar
Bark
mockernut hickory bark
Flowers
mockernut hickory flowers: male
Fruit
mockernut hickory fruit (immature) mockernut hickory fruit mockernut hickory fruit mockernut hickory fruit
  • FAMILY: JUGLANDACEAE
  • ALTERNATE COMMON NAME: white hickory, bullnut, hognut, whiteheart hickory
  • LEAVES: deciduous, alternate, odd-pinnately compound usually with 7 leaflets (range 5-9); lowermost leaflets ovate and much smaller than the other laterals and terminal leaflet, with a general increase in leaflet size toward the leaf tip; leaves noticeably droop, a trait apparent in viewing a crown from a distance; mature leaves can be up to ca. 16” long; leaflet blades pubescent beneath with tufted hairs; leaves fragrant when crushed
  • FLOWER: flowers unisexual, plants monoecious; male flowers in catkins 4-5’, emerging before female flowers; female flowers in short spikes; both are present April-May
  • FRUIT: nut; four-angled; 1-4 inches long w/short, necklike base; solitary or paired and globose; extremely hard shell, thick 4-ribbed husk, contains a small edible kernel; reddish brown; ripens in September-October
  • TWIGS: moderately stout, young twigs moderately to densely pubescent with tufted hairs; pale amber glands can be present as well; buds relatively large compared to other hickories, to ca. 0.6” long and 0.4” wide at base; bud scales imbricate
  • BARK: on young trees bark is gray and relatively smooth with only a faint diamond pattern evident; bark on older trees gray, tight, ridged and furrowed into a diamond pattern
  • FORM: medium to large tree, 65-100’ tall and to ca. 5’ dbh; crown narrow and rounded at the top
  • HABITAT: mesic to dry pine and mixed pine hardwood woodland and forests, often on sandy loam soil; also a component of salt dome hardwoods forests (e.g. Avery Island)
  • RANGE: eastern US  [USGS Range Map]
  • USES: hard and strong wood used for tool handles, ladder rungs, wheel spokes, flooring, furniture, pulpwood, fuel/charcoal
  • WILDLIFE: WILDLIFE: leaves browsed by deer, especially stump sprouts following logging; black bear have been documented eating nuts on Avery Island, other mammals eating fruits include fox, beaver, and white-footed mice; preferred mast for squirrels, minor food source for ducks, quail, turkey. Provides cavity nesting sites
    • Best Recognition Features:
    1. long droopy leaves to 16”
    2. fragrant leaves and twigs
    3. large terminal buds
    4. leaflets and rachis pubescent with tufted hairs
    5. nuts with thick husks
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