Bitternut Hickory
Carya cordiformis · Juglandaceae (Walnut family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately compound, typically with 7 to 9 leaflets, though a single leaflet is shown here); deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed along the edge)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate, with a prominent, pale yellow-green central midrib and distinctly arching secondary veins that curve upward toward the margin.
Key Features
Distinguished from other hickories by its bright yellow, naked-looking winter buds, leaves with 7 to 11 leaflets, and extremely bitter nuts.
Description
Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree growing up to 100 feet tall with a straight trunk and a rounded crown. It features distinctive bright sulfur-yellow, granular winter buds and produces bitter, thin-shelled nuts enclosed in a four-winged husk.
Habitat
Found in rich bottomland forests, along streams, and occasionally on drier upland sites. Prefers moist, deep soils and can tolerate periodic flooding.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec and Ontario south to Florida, and west to Texas and Minnesota.