Are you looking for a beautiful tree to add to your yard? Hickory trees are some of the most popular choices because of their strong grain and striking colors.
In this blog article, we are going to talk about six different types of hickory trees that can be found in Ohio. We will also discuss their planting requirements, what they are used for, and some facts about their natural history.
If you are interested in adding a hickory tree to your property, be sure to read this blog article!
1. Shagbark Hickory
The shagbark hickory is one of the most common types of hickory trees in Ohio. This tree is easily recognizable by its shaggy bark, which can be up to an inch thick.
The shagbark hickory is a large tree, reaching up to 100 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and have five to nine leaflets. The nuts of this tree are edible and have a sweet flavor.
The shagbark hickory is found in many different habitats, including woods, hillsides, and ravines. This tree prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
This hickory is a valuable tree for wildlife, providing food and shelter for many animals. This tree is also used in the production of furniture and flooring.
2. Pignut Hickory
Pignut hickory trees are one of the six types of hickory trees found in Ohio. These trees are typically found in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada. Pignut hickories can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet tall and diameters of up to 3 feet wide.
The bark of these trees is dark brown or black and is smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves of pignut hickories are alternate, simple, and oblong-shaped with serrated margins. The flowers of these trees are small, yellow-green, and borne in clusters.
The fruit of pignut hickories is a nut that is enclosed in a thick husk.
Pignut hickory trees are an important source of food for many animals, including squirrels, mice, rabbits, birds, and bears. The nuts produced by these trees are also edible for humans and have been used historically for both food and medicinal purposes.
Pignut hickory wood is also valuable and has been used for a variety of purposes such as fuel wood, lumber, tool handles, and charcoal.
3. Mockernut Hickory
The mockernut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to the eastern United States. This hickory tree is characterized by its large, round nuts that have a thick shell. The mockernut hickory is a deciduous tree, which means that it loses its leaves each year.
The leaves of this hickory tree are alternate, simple and pinnately-lobed. The flowers of the mockernut hickory are greenish-yellow and appear in clusters. This hickory tree is also known as the white hickory, due to the light color of its wood.
The mockernut hickory grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. This hickory tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
The mockernut hickory is a slow-growing tree but can reach a height of up to 50 feet tall and a width of up to 35 feet wide. This hickory tree has a lifespan of around 200 years.
The wood of the mockernut hickory is heavy, hard and strong. It is often used for making furniture, flooring, cabinets and tool handles.
The nuts of this hickory tree are edible and are often used in baking or as a source of food for wildlife.
4. Bitternut Hickory
The bitternut hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to North America. This tree is typically found in the eastern United States and Canada.
This hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. This tree has a straight trunk and a rounded crown. The leaves of the bitternut hickory are alternate, simple, and pinnately compound.
The leaves are dark green in color and have 7-9 leaflets. The flowers of this tree are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit of the bitternut hickory is a nut that is encased in a thin, yellowish-brown shell.
The bitternut hickory is a valuable tree for wildlife. This tree provides food and shelter for many animals including birds, squirrels, and deer. The nuts of this tree are eaten by squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and other rodents.
The bark of this tree is eaten by beavers and rabbits. Deer will browse on the twigs and leaves of this tree.
5. Shellbark Hickory
The Shellbark Hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to the eastern United States. It is typically found in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 200 years. The Shellbark Hickory is characterized by its shaggy bark, which is brown or gray in color.
The leaves of the tree are oblong-shaped and have serrated edges. The nuts of the Shellbark Hickory are edible and are often used in baking.
The Shellbark Hickory is a valuable tree because it provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and deer all enjoy eating the nuts of the tree.
The large leaves of the tree also provide shade and shelter for small animals and birds. The thick bark of the tree protects it from fire damage and helps it to resist disease.
humans also benefit from the Shellbark Hickory. The wood of the tree is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in furniture and flooring. The nuts of the tree can be used in baking or as a snack food.
6. Red Hickory
Red Hickory is one of the six types of hickory trees found in Ohio. This variety of hickory is known for its reddish-brown bark and its ability to reach heights of up to 100 feet tall.
The wood of the red hickory tree is very strong and dense, making it a popular choice for use in furniture and flooring.
Conclusion
There are six types of hickory trees in Ohio, each with its own unique benefits.
- Shagbark hickory is great for providing shade.
- Pignut hickory is perfect for making pies.
- Mockernut hickory is ideal for smoking meats.
- Bitternut hickory is perfect for making furniture.
- Shellbark hickory is perfect for making flooring.
- Red hickory is perfect for making cabinets.
All of these trees are valuable to Ohio, and they each have their own special uses.
