Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory)

Regular price$164.95
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Available for local pick-up and delivery only
Qualifies for Marylanders Plant Trees Coupon ($25 Off) - see below for more info

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Carya glabra, also known as pignut hickory, is a large deciduous tree native to many types of woodland (from low and wet to high and dry) across much of the American east and mid-Atlantic. Typically growing to 50-80’ tall 30-50’ wide at maturity, pignut hickory is known for its smooth gray bark that develops rough ridges as it matures, as well as its glossy, pointed, compound leaves and its namesake nuts that develop, fall, and litter the ground in the fall, though nuts don’t begin to develop until the tree reaches around 30 years old. Though pignut hickory nuts are bitter and not palatable to humans, they are still eaten as ground fodder by some birds and mammals, including hogs and wild boar.

Carya glabra is not picky about its environmental conditions, besides that it prefers well-draining moist to semi-wet soils. Otherwise, pignut hickory tolerates full and partial sun, acidic to neutral soils, and a variety of soil types including heavy clay. Pignut hickory also tolerates some salt exposure, as it grows in coastal areas, and tolerates soils contaminated with black walnut; in addition, Carya glabra may show better deer resistance than some other hickory species. Beyond its hardiness and environmental tolerance, Carya glabra provides beautiful golden fall color to the autumn landscape. And beyond its ornamental uses, pignut hickory’s use as a host plant for a number of important and beautiful butterfly and moth species makes it a vital addition to the landscape. These butterfly and moth hosts include the banded hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium calanus), and the regal (Citheronia regalis) and luna moths (Actias luna). Though its many fallen nuts can present an issue for lawn tidiness, pignut hickory is a gorgeous large specimen tree perfect for forest gardens, for open fields in need of shade, or for creating an excellent home for woodland creatures in your backyard.

Straight Species, Native to U.S., Native to Maryland, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Tree Height: Large: over 30 feet
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours) and Part Shade/Sun (4-6 hours of sun)
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet and Well-drained
Soil Type: Wide Tolerance
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow and Green
Foliage Color: Green
Features: Attracts Birds, Attracts Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies, Host Plant for Butterflies or Moths, Keystone Plant, and Fall Color
Tolerances: Black Walnut Tolerant, Clay Soil Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Wet Soil Tolerant, and Deer Tolerant
Garden Type: Meadow, Specimen Tree, Shade Tree, and Woodland Garden

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Marylanders Plant Trees

From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

"We launched Marylanders Plant Trees in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. The State cost of $20 per coupon is funded through a settlement from a major power generator for Clean Air Act violations, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland’s participating tree vendors are generously absorbing the remaining $5.

Trees must be planted in the state of Maryland to qualify for $25 off coupon.
Wholesale customers do not qualify.


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