October Tree of the Month-Hickory
Autumn is one of the most anticipated seasons for St. Louisans. The weather changes from sweltering to sensational, plenty of festivities and events are happening around town, and of course, the changing of the leaves. One of the BEST trees for fall color are those in the Carya genus. Shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, and shellbark hickory are all known for the plentiful edible nuts in fall and the yellow fall color ranging from deep gold to clear yellow.
The hickories are one of the first trees in the area to show color, so this can make it easy to identify them. The leaves are pinnately compound, usually 5-7 leaflets per petiole. Pecan hickories have more than seven. The barks of some hickories like shagbark (Carya ovata pictured below) and shellbark (Carya laciniosa) have coarse, peeling bark that separates into large plates.
Eight species of hickories are known in Missouri, which is impressive considering there are only 17 remaining species worldwide.
Hickories are not commonly found in the trade at local nurseries but can be mail-ordered or found at local native-based nurseries or growers. Most homeowners shy away from any tree that produces large, messy fruits, but if you have a large yard or an open area, a hickory can be a breath-taking addition that feeds our eyes and souls along with the wildlife.
In nature, hickories naturally grow in full sun to part shade and can reach between 50-100’ depending on species. Some develop deep tap-roots and do not transplant easily, so make sure you plant it correctly the first time. Hickories prefer moist yet well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
If you are considering planting for nut production, keep the space around the base open and clear for easy harvesting. Even if you aren’t thinking about harvesting numerous nuts, make sure the mature limbs will not overhang your driveway, walkways, or roof.
What I love about this plant;
-It’s native!
-The long history of the genus and its uses, from axe handles to flooring, because of the dense, hard wood.
-The outstanding fall color, like the Carya x laneyi above at MBG.
-The benefits to wildlife and people who consume the plentiful nuts.
-The interesting bark on some species like shagbark and shellbark hickories.
What’s not so great;
-The size can overtake a small or even average yard-give it space.
-The nuts can be messy over walkways and structures, or even in open turf areas. Lawn mowers usually hate all hickories as a general rule.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2023, All rights reserved.
