Mockernut Hickory

I've seen a few of this species at Jenkins Arboretum in Berwyn, PA, in the uphill, acid soils there, and I found a few in the dry, serpen...Read Moretine barrens soil of Nottingham Park, and a number in the sandy soil of southern and central Delaware. It is much more common in the South; not very much in the North that I know of, unless New England. Hickory are magnificent trees like oaks, though messy. Mockernut is slow growing like other hickory of about 6"/yr and develops a big taproot. Lives about 250 years. The other scientific name is Carya tomentosa because the 7 to 9 leaflets that are often relatively narrow, but not always, and are white hairy below. The compound leaves are 8 to 12" long. The deeply 4-grooved husk is large, but the sweet nut inside is small, thus a mockery. Some native plant nurseries may offer this species in pots, not of a large size. It is not invasive, nor a weed in any way. Those of us who love nature, love Hickories.

Mockernut hickory is strong, long lived, and drought tolerant. It also provides food for wildlife and provides excellent fall color, even...Read More in the deep south.