Hickory trees are an important and diverse group of trees that can be found in many parts of the United States, including Tennessee. These trees are known for their strong, durable wood, which is often used in the production of furniture, tool handles, and other products. In addition to their practical uses, hickory trees are also valued for their beauty and ecological importance.
There are 4 different types of hickory trees that can be found in Tennessee, each with its own unique characteristics. They are shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, mockernut hickory, and bitternut hickory.
In this post, we will take a closer look at each of these types of hickory trees and explore their characteristics, habitat, and distribution in Tennessee.
1.Shagbark Hickory
The shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is a large deciduous tree that is native to much of the eastern United States, including Tennessee. It is named for its distinctive bark, which peels away from the trunk in long, narrow strips that give the tree a “shaggy” appearance.
Shagbark hickory trees can grow to be quite tall, reaching heights of up to 100 feet. They have a straight, sturdy trunk and a rounded crown, with a canopy of dense, dark green leaves. The leaves of the shagbark hickory are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 5-9 leaflets. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow color.
The shagbark hickory is also known for its large, edible nuts, which are encased in a tough, bristly husk. The nuts are an important food source for many species of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and even bears.
Shagbark hickories are found in a variety of habitats in Tennessee, including upland forests, valleys, and along streams and rivers. They are adapted to a wide range of soil types and can grow in both dry and moist conditions.
In Tennessee, shagbark hickories can be found throughout most of the state, with the exception of the highest elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains.
2.Pignut Hickory
The pignut hickory (Carya glabra) is another common type of hickory tree found in Tennessee. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. Like the shagbark hickory, the pignut hickory has a straight, sturdy trunk and a rounded crown.
One of the most distinctive features of the pignut hickory is its bark, which is smooth and gray when the tree is young, but becomes rough and furrowed with age.
The leaves of the pignut hickory are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 5-7 leaflets. They are a dark green color on the top side and a lighter green on the underside. In the fall, the leaves turn a golden yellow color.
The pignut hickory is also known for its nuts, which are small and somewhat bitter in flavor. The nuts are encased in a thin, spiky husk and are an important food source for many species of wildlife.
Pignut hickories can be found in a variety of habitats in Tennessee, including upland forests, valleys, and along streams and rivers. They are adapted to a wide range of soil types and can grow in both dry and moist conditions. In Tennessee, pignut hickories can be found throughout most of the state.
3.Mockernut Hickory
The mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) is another type of hickory tree that can be found in Tennessee. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. Like other hickory trees, the mockernut hickory has a straight, sturdy trunk and a rounded crown.
One of the most distinctive features of the mockernut hickory is its bark, which is dark brown and rough, with deep furrows and scaly plates. The leaves of the mockernut hickory are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 7-9 leaflets.
They are a dark green color on the top side and a lighter green on the underside. In the fall, the leaves turn a golden yellow color.
The mockernut hickory is also known for its nuts, which are medium-sized and have a sweet, nutty flavor. The nuts are encased in a thick, spiky husk and are an important food source for many species of wildlife.
Mockernut hickories can be found in a variety of habitats in Tennessee, including upland forests, valleys, and along streams and rivers.
They are adapted to a wide range of soil types and can grow in both dry and moist conditions. In Tennessee, mockernut hickories can be found throughout most of the state, with the exception of the highest elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains.
4.Bitternut Hickory
The bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is another type of hickory tree that can be found in Tennessee. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. Like other hickory trees, the bitternut hickory has a straight, sturdy trunk and a rounded crown.
One of the most distinctive features of the bitternut hickory is its bark, which is light gray and smooth when the tree is young, but becomes rough and furrowed with age.
The leaves of the bitternut hickory are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 7-11 leaflets. They are a dark green color on the top side and a lighter green on the underside. In the fall, the leaves turn a golden yellow color.
The bitternut hickory is also known for its nuts, which are small and have a bitter, unpleasant flavor. The nuts are encased in a thin, spiky husk and are not commonly consumed by humans, but are an important food source for many species of wildlife.
Bitternut hickories can be found in a variety of habitats in Tennessee, including upland forests, valleys, and along streams and rivers. They are adapted to a wide range of soil types and can grow in both dry and moist conditions.
Conclusion
In this post, we have explored the different types of hickory trees that can be found in Tennessee. We have looked at the characteristics, habitat, and distribution of the shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, mockernut hickory, and bitternut hickory.
Hickory trees are an important and diverse group of trees that play a vital role in Tennessee’s ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for many species of wildlife, and their strong, durable wood is used in a variety of products.
These trees are also valued for their beauty and can add a touch of natural elegance to any landscape.
If you live in Tennessee or are planning a visit, take some time to appreciate the beauty and importance of hickory trees. You may even be able to spot one of the different types we have discussed in this post.
If you are interested in learning more about hickory trees and other types of trees found in Tennessee, there are many resources available to help you explore and learn about the state’s diverse ecosystem.
