Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
- There are 5 types of hickory trees in Maryland. Pignut, mockernut, shagbark, shellbark, and bitternut hickories are all native to Maryland.
It’s that time of year when people are thinking about the trees in their yards and gardens. Many people are looking for varieties of hickory trees that will grow well in Maryland.
There are five types of hickories that can be found in Maryland and each has its own unique properties. We will go over each type of hickory and what to look for when choosing a tree for your yard or garden.
1. Pignut Hickory
Pignut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Maryland. This tree is known for its strong wood, which is often used in construction and furniture making. The pignut hickory is also a popular tree for firewood, as it burns hot and long.
This tree can reach up to 60 feet tall and has dark green leaves that are compound and have 5-9 leaflets. The pignut hickory produces brown fruits that are about an inch long and contain a single seed.
2. Mockernut Hickory
The mockernut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to the eastern United States. The tree grows to a height of 50-60 feet and has a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and pinnately compound with 7-9 leaflets. The mockernut hickory produces edible nuts that are encased in a thick shell. The nuts are important food sources for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife.
The mockernut hickory is found in upland forest communities and is a common component of the forest understory. The tree prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Mockernut hickories are slow-growing trees that can live to be over 200 years old.
3. Shagbark Hickory
The shagbark hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Maryland. This tree is characterized by its shaggy bark, which is why it gets its name. The shagbark hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall.
This tree prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soils and does not tolerate drought conditions well. The shagbark hickory has a wide range of uses, including being used for firewood, lumber, and even as a food source for wildlife.
4. Shellbark Hickory
The shellbark hickory is one of the five types of hickory trees in Maryland. This tree is known for its large, edible nuts and its hard, strong wood. The shellbark hickory grows to be about 60 to 80 feet tall and has a trunk that is two to three feet in diameter.
The leaves of this tree are compound and have seven to nine leaflets. The shellbark hickory produces yellow-green flowers in the spring and the nuts ripen in the fall.
The wood of the shellbark hickory is very strong and hard, making it good for firewood and furniture. The nuts of this tree are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
The shellbark hickory is a valuable tree for both its wood and its nuts.
5. Bitternut Hickory
The bitternut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to Maryland. This tree is known for its strong wood, which is often used in construction and furniture making. The bitternut hickory is also a popular choice for firewood due to its high heat output.
This tree typically grows to a height of 50-60 feet and has a lifespan of 100-150 years.
The bitternut hickory is easily distinguished from other types of trees by its large, oval-shaped leaves. The bark of this tree is also unique, being dark brown or black in color with deep fissures running through it.
The nuts produced by the bitternut hickory are small and round, with a bitter taste that gives this tree its name.
If you are looking for a durable and long-lasting type of wood for your next project, consider the bitternut hickory. This tree’s strong wood will provide support and stability, while its unique appearance will give your project a one-of-a-kind look.
Conclusion
Pignut hickories are the most common type of hickory tree in Maryland. Mockernut hickories are the second most common type of hickory tree in Maryland. Shagbark hickories are the third most common type of hickory tree in Maryland.
Shellbark hickories are the fourth most common type of hickory tree in Maryland. Bitternut hickories are the least common type of hickory tree in Maryland.
