Several types of hickory trees can be found growing natively in New Jersey or have been introduced to the state.
Here is an overview of some of the hickory tree species found in New Jersey:
Key Takeaways:
- Several hickory tree species are native to New Jersey, including shagbark, bitter-nut, black, mockernut, nutmeg, and pignut hickories.
- Hickory trees can be identified by their compound leaves, gray and shaggy bark that peels in strips, and their nut fruits.
- Some hickory tree nuts are edible, like those from shagbark and nutmeg hickories, while others are too bitter or hard-shelled for human consumption.
- In addition to producing edible nuts, hickory trees are valued for their strong and durable timber, used to make tools and furniture.
- Some hickory species like the pignut hickory make good shade trees for landscaping yards and parks because of their tall height.
- Native hickory trees play an important ecological role in New Jersey forests and make up an important part of the state's natural heritage.
1. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
The shagbark hickory is a large, deciduous tree with unique gray, shaggy bark that peels off in long, thin plates.
This species is native to New Jersey and can grow quite tall.
The shagbark hickory produces edible hickory nuts enclosed in a four-segmented husk.
2. Bitter-Nut Hickory (Carya cordiformis)
The bitter-nut hickory is native to New Jersey and can be found in Monmouth County. It gets its name from the bitter taste of its nuts.
This species can grow up to 100 feet tall. The bitter-nut hickory has a shaggy bark similar to the shagbark hickory.
3. Black Hickory (Carya texana)
The black hickory is another hickory species native to Monmouth County, New Jersey. It produces a hard and heavy wood.
Black hickories can grow up to 100 feet tall.
4. Mockernut Hickory (Carya alba)
Also known as the white hickory, mockernut hickory trees are native to Monmouth County.
They produce thick-shelled nuts that are not edible for humans. Mockernut hickories can grow up to 100 feet in height.
5. Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis)
The nutmeg hickory is native to New Jersey and can be found in Monmouth County. It gets its name from its nutmeat, which has a similar flavor to nutmeg.
The nuts are enclosed in a four-segmented husk.
6. Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra)
The pignut hickory is native to New Jersey. With its straight trunk, it can be used as a tall shade tree in parks and large yards, growing up to 80 feet tall.
The pignut hickory produces bitter-tasting nuts.
In summary, New Jersey has a diversity of native hickory tree species, some producing edible nuts and others valued for timber or landscaping.
Hickories can be identified by their compound leaves, gray bark, and distinct nut fruits.
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