Hickory is a hardwood that is most commonly found in the United States. It is a strong and stable wood that can be used for a variety of projects, from furniture to tool handles.
Hickory has a deep hue that can be used on furniture, as well as accents and finishes on cabinets, flooring, and more.
In this article, we will go over the different types of hickories and their uses in Arkansas. We’ll also give you tips on how to identify them and where to find them throughout the state.
1. Mockernut Hickory
The mockernut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Arkansas. This tree is known for its hard wood and for its nut, which is edible for humans. The mockernut hickory can grow to be over 100 feet tall and can live for centuries.
This tree prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soils but can also tolerate dryer conditions.
The nuts of this tree are an important food source for wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds. The mockernut hickory is also a popular choice for timber production due to its strong wood.
2. Pignut Hickory
Pignut hickory is a type of hickory tree that grows in Arkansas. These trees are typically small to medium-sized and have a short trunk with stout, spreading branches. The leaves of the pignut hickory are oblong-shaped and have a dull green color.
The nuts of this hickory tree are small and round, with a dark brown or black shell.
Pignut hickories are found in forests throughout Arkansas. They prefer well-drained soils and full sun exposure, but can also tolerate some shade. These trees are relatively drought-tolerant and can be found in both upland and lowland areas.
Pignut hickories are an important food source for many wildlife species, including squirrels, birds, and deer. The nuts of these trees are also edible for humans and were historically used as a flour by Native Americans.
If you’re looking for a durable, adaptable tree for your Arkansas property, the pignut hickory is a great option! T
his hardy tree is relatively easy to care for and provides valuable habitat and food for many different types of animals.
3. Black Hickory
The black hickory is a type of hickory tree that grows in Arkansas. This tree is known for its dark, black bark and its strong wood. The black hickory is a popular choice for furniture and other woodworking projects because of its strength and durability.
This tree is also used to make charcoal.
4. Bitternut Hickory
The bitternut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Arkansas. This tree typically grows to a height of 50-60 feet and has a light brown to grayish bark. The leaves of the bitternut hickory are alternate, simple and pinnately compound with 11-17 leaflets.
The leaflets are ovate in shape and have serrated margins. The flowers of the tree are yellowish green and borne in clusters. The fruit is a nut that is encased in a thin, green husk.
The bitternut hickory is an important tree for wildlife in Arkansas. This tree provides food and shelter for many animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, deer, birds and other small mammals.
The nuts produced by the bitternut hickory are an important food source for these animals. The tree also provides nesting sites for birds and cover from predators for small mammals.
The wood of the bitternut hickory is hard and strong, making it valuable for a variety of purposes. This wood is often used in the construction of furniture, cabinets and flooring.
The bitternut hickory is an important tree species in Arkansas and plays an important role in the state’s ecosystem.
5. Shellbark Hickory
The Shellbark Hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Arkansas. This tree grows to be about 50-60 feet tall and is characterized by its thick, scaly bark.
The leaves of this tree are alternate, simple and pinnately compound with 5-9 leaflets. The Shellbark Hickory produces edible nuts that are encased in a thick shell. These nuts are favored by squirrels and other animals.
6. Shagbark Hickory
The shagbark hickory is a type of hickory tree that grows in Arkansas. This tree is known for its distinctive shaggy bark, which is why it’s named the shagbark hickory.
The shagbark hickory is also known for its delicious nuts, which are popular among squirrels and other animals. If you’re looking for a unique type of hickory tree to add to your collection, the shagbark hickory is definitely worth considering!
Conclusion
There are six types of hickory trees in Arkansas. These hickory trees are the mockernut hickory, pignut hickory, black hickory, bitternut hickory, shellbark hickory, and the shagbark hickory.
All of these hickory trees provide important benefits to the ecosystem in Arkansas.
