BITTERNUT HICKORY Carya cordiformis The fastest growing and one of the largest of our native hickories, this species produces long, graceful catkins and large, hard-shelled nuts. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and nutrient levels. Its leaves have a golden glow in fall and are slower to drop than other hickories.
As its common name indicates the bitter-tasting nuts are not the first choice for wildlife. It is however a host plant for the magnificent luna, funeral dagger, and giant regal moths.
Photo credits:
Fall color and form: T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Buds: Vern Wilkins, Indiana University, Bugwood.org
Fruit and flowers: Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org
