Carya aquatica
Water Hickory
Pronunciation
CAR-y-a A-kwat-ih-kuh
Family
Genus
Nativity
Virginia to Florida to Texas; South US
Growth Habit
Young trees have a rather full head, appearing like a young Green Ash; older trees are vase-shaped.
Hardiness
6
Culture
Moist, wet plains. Found in old growth forests.
Facultative Status
Obligate
Landscape Use
Tall, native species, that grow well in swamps. It's an important tree for food for squirrels and other wildlife. The nuts are not edible for humans. The bark has an ornamantal fissured appearance.
Foliage
Dark green in summer. Narrow leaflets, usually 9 to 11, all relatively same size. Long, lanceolate, serrated. Turns yellow-green in the fall.:Yellow in fall
Buds
Buds are valvate, terminal buds are dark reddish brown.
Bark
Light brown, splitting to dark brown.
Flower
Yellow flowers bloom mid-spring.
Fruit
Hard nuts encased in a four-valved husk. Attractive to wildlife.
Propagation
Seed.
Pests
None serious.