Origin and Common Names
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. odorata (Marsh.) Little, commonly known as the Pignut Hickory, is a tree species native to the eastern United States. It is commonly found in the Appalachians, the Ozarks, and the southeastern United States. This plant is part of the Juglandaceae family, which includes other fruit and nut trees such as walnuts and pecans.
Appearance
The Pignut Hickory is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 27 meters (90 feet) in height, with a trunk diameter ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). It has a tall and slender trunk with a narrow crown, and its bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age. The twigs are slender and brown, and the leaves are pinnately compound, with five to nine leaflets, the upper surface dark green and the lower surface pale, hairy, and pubescent. The flowers appear in spring, with the male staminate flowers on long catkins, and the female pistillate flowers in short spikes.
Uses
The Pignut Hickory has several uses, including for timber and as a food source. Its strong, hard, and durable wood is used for tool handles, furniture, flooring, and athletic equipment. The nuts, although small and difficult to shell, are edible and are prized by wildlife and humans alike for their sweet and rich flavor. The bark and leaves have also been used for medicinal purposes, such as for treating fevers, headaches, and coughs. Overall, the Pignut Hickory is a valuable and versatile tree with a long history of use in the United States.
Light Requirements
Carya glabra var. odorata prefers full sun to partial shade. It does best in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C), although extreme temperatures can stress the plant.
Soil Requirements
Carya glabra var. odorata can grow in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining and moderately fertile. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 but can also tolerate more alkaline soils. It does not do well in compacted soils or soils that are constantly wet.
Cultivation Methods
Carya glabra var. odorata commonly known as the Pignut Hickory is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Eastern United States. The tree is typically grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires a moderate to high amount of water and is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Watering Needs
The Pignut Hickory prefers moist soil, so regular watering is necessary, especially during the dryer months. However, the tree is drought tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not always necessary for the Pignut Hickory. However, if the tree is growing in poor soil conditions, then a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning of the Pignut Hickory is typically done in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. It is recommended to prune only dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning as it can affect the tree's growth and health.
Propagation of Carya glabra var. odorata
Carya glabra var. odorata, commonly known as the water hickory, can be propagated through multiple methods, including seed propagation, grafting, and budding.
Seed Propagation
Water hickory seeds should be collected in fall when they mature and are brown in color. The seeds should be kept moist and cold-stratified for 90 to 120 days at 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit to improve their germination rates. After the stratification period, the seeds can be sown in containers filled with well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright area. The seedlings should be watered regularly and transplanted into larger containers or outdoors in the following spring once they have reached a suitable size.
Grafting
Grafting is a suitable method for propagating water hickory cultivars since it ensures the genetic characteristics and quality of the parent plant. The scionwood of the cultivar is collected in late winter or early spring and grafted onto a suitable rootstock. The graft union should be covered and kept moist until it establishes successfully. The grafted plant can be transplanted outdoors in the following spring or grown in containers for a longer period.
Budding
Budding is similar to grafting but involves attaching a small, dormant bud from a desirable cultivar onto a compatible rootstock. The bud should be shield-budded or chip-budded onto the rootstock in mid to late summer. After a successful union, the rootstock should grow and form the desired cultivar. Budding is a useful method for propagating water hickory cultivars that aren't available through seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya Glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. Odorata (Marsh.) Little
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. odorata (Marsh.) Little, commonly known as Pignut Hickory, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States that provides valuable lumber, wildlife habitat, and edible nuts. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective disease and pest management strategies to maintain the health and vitality of Pignut Hickory trees.
Common Diseases Affecting Pignut Hickory Trees
Pignut Hickory trees are susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause serious damage or even death if left untreated. Some of the common diseases affecting Pignut Hickory trees include:
- Hickory Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Gnomonia caryae, which infects the leaves, twigs, and nuts of Pignut Hickory trees, causing brown spots, blotches, and necrosis. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the infected branches, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides during the growing season.
- Crown Gall: This disease is caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which forms tumor-like growths on the roots and stems of Pignut Hickory trees, reducing their vigor and productivity. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants, avoid soil compaction, and promote good soil drainage.
- Heart Rot: This disease is caused by various species of wood decay fungi, which infect the heartwood of Pignut Hickory trees, causing decay, hollowing, and structural weakness. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the infected branches, avoid mechanical injuries, and promote good air circulation.
Common Pests Affecting Pignut Hickory Trees
Pignut Hickory trees are also vulnerable to various insect pests that can damage the leaves, bark, and wood, and reduce their overall health and aesthetics. Some of the common pests affecting Pignut Hickory trees include:
- Pecan Weevil: This pest is a beetle (Curculio caryae) that feeds on the nuts of Pignut Hickory trees, causing the nuts to drop prematurely and reducing their quality and quantity. To manage this pest, it is recommended to apply insecticides before and after the nut drop period and to clean up fallen nuts regularly.
- Hickory Bark Beetle: This pest is a small beetle (Scolytus quadrispinosus) that attacks the bark of weakened or stressed Pignut Hickory trees, causing cankers, galleries, and dieback. To manage this pest, it is recommended to maintain tree vigor, prune infected branches, and apply insecticides if necessary.
- Fall Webworm: This pest is a caterpillar (Hyphantria cunea) that feeds on the leaves of Pignut Hickory trees, causing defoliation and aesthetic damage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to prune infected branches, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticides during the growing season, and encourage natural predators.
In conclusion, disease and pest management plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of Pignut Hickory trees. By identifying and treating common diseases and pests, gardeners, farmers, and foresters can ensure the longevity and sustainability of this valuable tree species.
