Bitter Hickory Carya myristiciformis

Nutmeg hickory is a large, deciduous, slow-growing tree that is the rarest of its species worldwide, but may be found in small numbers in a range from the mountains of northeastern Mexico to the coastal plain of North Carolina. At maturity, it will reach close to 100 feet high, but in its first 20 years of growth, it may only reach 30 feet high. This plant prefers full sun and moist rich soils and can be found on the banks of rivers and swamps, occasionally on higher ground, and often on limestone. The specific epithet myristiciformis refers to its seeds, which are similar to nutmeg seeds. The bark is scaly and reddish brown with a diamond-shaped pattern of ridges.

The tree will tolerate sandy or clay soils and is drought tolerant, but will not grow in the shade. Nutmeg hickory has a large tap root that can reach 4 feet or more into the ground and should be planted in its permanent location as soon as possible. Although the tree may be relatively late coming into leaf and lose its leaves early in the autumn, it does cast a heavy shade when leaves are present. The Nutmeg hickory leaf initially has an underside covered with silvery-golden scales that turn bronze as the leaves mature.

This hickory serves as a food source for both the Hickory Horndevil (Citheronia regalis) and the Luna (Actias luna) moths.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Insects will attack hickory, but damage is not usually catastrophic.