Hickory trees can be found all over Louisiana, but which ones are the best for the region?
In this article, we will discuss the different types of hickory trees and their benefits.
We will also go over the different types of hickory leaves, how to identify them, and the different ways that they are used in Louisiana.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which hickory tree is right for your garden or landscaping project.
The four types of hickory trees in Louisiana. These include the pignut hickory, smoothbark hickory, swamp hickory, and broom hickory.
1. Pignut Hickory
The pignut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Louisiana. This tree is known for its strong wood, which is often used in construction and furniture making.
The pignut hickory is also a popular choice for firewood, as it burns hot and long.
This tree grows to be about 50-60 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 50 years.
The pignut hickory is easily identified by its smooth, gray bark and its oblong-shaped leaves.
The nuts of this tree are small and round, with a dark brown shell.
These nuts are not typically eaten by humans, but they are favored by squirrels and other animals.
If you're looking for a tough, durable tree for your Louisiana property, the pignut hickory is a great option.
This tree is beautiful and long-lasting, and it will provide you with plenty of wood for your needs.
2. Smoothbark Hickory
The smoothbark hickory is one of the four types of hickory trees found in Louisiana.
This tree gets its name from the smooth texture of its bark, which is free of any roughness or bumps.
The smoothbark hickory is a tall tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 2-3 feet in diameter.
This tree is mostly found in the eastern and central parts of Louisiana.
The smoothbark hickory has large, dark green leaves that are 8-12 inches long and have 5-7 leaflets.
The leaves turn yellow or brown in the fall before they are shed for the winter.
This tree also produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the springtime.
The smoothbark hickory produces edible nuts that are 1-2 inches long and have a thick, hard shell.
These nuts ripen in the fall and are eaten by squirrels, birds and other animals.
The wood of the smoothbark hickory is very strong and dense, making it ideal for use in furniture, flooring and tool handles.
This tree is also used as a shade tree or ornamental tree because of its attractive appearance.
3. Swamp Hickory
The swamp hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Louisiana. This tree is typically found in wetland areas, such as swamps and bayous. The swamp hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall.
The leaves of this tree are dark green and have a leathery texture. The swamp hickory is an important source of food for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
The swamp hickory is a valuable tree for humans as well. The wood of this tree is very strong and durable, making it ideal for construction purposes.
The bark of the swamp hickory can also be used to make a variety of medicinal teas.
If you are interested in planting a swamp hickory on your property, it is important to note that this tree requires a lot of space.
The roots of this tree can spread outwards up to 100 feet!
Therefore, it is important to plant the swamp hickory in an area where it will not interfere with other trees or structures.
4. Broom Hickory
The broom hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Louisiana. This tree is known for its hard wood and its ability to produce a large amount of nuts.
The broom hickory can grow to be up to 50 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 100 years.
The nuts produced by this tree are edible and have a sweet taste.
The broom hickory is also used in the production of charcoal and wood chips.
