Plant Details

Carya ovata

Hickory

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Carya ovata.

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General Information

Scientific name: Carya ovata
Also known as: Hickory

Plant Properties

Layer: Nut tree
Size: Large
Height: 25.00 m
Width: 20.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Milk, Sap, Seed
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(1)
Features:
Dye, Wood, Fragrant, Carbon farming

Description

Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in pies, pastries, bread, and more. They have a sweet and delicious flavor. The seeds can be ground into flour and used to thicken soups. A milky substance can be made from the seeds and spread like butter on bread or vegetables. The shell of the seeds is usually thick and hard, but in certain cultivars, it can be thinner. The seeds ripen in late autumn and can be stored for up to 2 years in a cool cellar. The seeds are up to 4 cm long. The sap is sweet in taste and is tapped in the spring, and it can be used to make syrup.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/09
End of Harvest: 30/10

Crown Data

Crown Type: Broad pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown