Plant Family: Juglandaceae
Growth Form: Large tree, 20 – 30 meters in height.
Leaves: Alternate, once-compound, 12 – 30 cm long, with 5 – 7 lightly toothed leaflets.
Bark: Light gray, shaggy, standing out from the trunk in long strips; the twigs are stout and slightly hairy.
Flowers: Monoecious, male flowers in hanging catkins in groups of three, female flowers in clusters of two or three.
Fruits: Thick four-part husks hold the rounded ridged nuts, the meat of the nuts of this species is sweet and delicious.
Habitat: Dry, rich woods; commonly planted for its edible nuts.
Range: Less common in northern New England, more common further south, ranging to Georgia and Texas.
Similar Species: Pignut Hickory has similar leaves but has tightly fissured bark and slender twigs.
Comments: Hickory wood is hard, heavy, and strong, and is used to make axe handles and tools.
