Carya glaba
Sweet Pignut, Pignut hickory
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Carya glaba.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Young shoots and leaves of Carya glabra.
Plant Image Library from Boston, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory) (33321574004).jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Young shoots and leaves of Carya glabra.
Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory) (27074520832).jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
5 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Pignut hickory
- Sweet Pignut
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Gladbladerige bitternoot
- Kale hickorynoot
- French
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- Caryer glabre
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Uses
Sap, Seed
Wood
Description
Seeds from this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. The quality of the seeds varies greatly; some are sweet and pleasant, while others can be bitter and astringent. Generally, the seeds of this plant are of lesser quality compared to other hickories. They are relatively small, have a thick shell, and contain little edible content. The seeds ripen in late autumn and can be stored for at least 6 months in the shell in a cool place. The sap of this plant can be tapped in the spring and is used as a refreshing drink with a sweet taste.
Harvest
Crown
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
Relevant sections
- Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Carya glabra (Mill.) Sweet, name ID 2701775, row 1337668
- Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 756174; name ID 2701738; Carya Nutt.. Family column.
Source checked on .
Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.