Carya texana aka Black Hickory

Carya texana, or black hickory, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the walnut family, Juglandaceae. Its native range covers the central and east-central United States. Records extend from southern Illinois and southwest Indiana to Texas. The range also includes Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It grows in a temperate climate and sheds its leaves each year.

Black hickory grows slowly and reaches about 49 feet [15 metres]. Its crown has an oval shape. One source records leaves from June through October. Green flowers open in spring. Plants For A Future gives April to May as flowering time. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a broader March to June season. Each tree bears separate male and female flowers. Wind carries the pollen, and the species is self-fertile.

The seeds ripen in late autumn and have thick shells. They can reach about 1.6 inches long. People can eat the kernels raw or cooked. Reports differ on their taste: some call them sweet, others bitter. The small kernels and thick shells limit their food value. Seeds kept cool inside their shells can last six months. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. It also records no known medicinal uses.

Wild trees grow in dry, sandy woods and on rocky slopes. Records also place them in low, wet woods and bottomlands. Sandy ground is frequent, but the tree also grows over limestone. In gardens, it prefers deep loam that holds moisture. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Choose a sunny, sheltered site for best growth. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists partial shade as suitable. A good summer helps the tree develop well. The garden lists USDA hardiness zones 4–9.

Black hickory can form part of a woodland garden canopy. Its strong taproot makes early planting in its final site important. Deep pots give young roots room while plants remain in containers. Seeds need a cold period before they sprout. Stored seeds should stay damp, rather than wet, before sowing. Plants For A Future advises winter protection for young seedlings. The wood is dense, tough, and strong, yet brittle. People use it chiefly as fuel because it gives good heat. The same source does not flag this species as weedy.