Mockernut Hickory

Mockernut Hickory

(Carya tomentosa)

The Walnut Family (Juglandaceae)

A tall tree with a rounded crown, alternate, deciduous, hairy-backed aromatic leaves with seven to nine leaflets, and dark gray, interlaced net-like bark.

Habitat:

Moist upland forests, dry slopes and ridges.

Interesting Facts:

Its strong and elastic wood is valued for furniture and tools, and used in smoking meats. Black and yellow dyes and an astringent are produced from bark. Nuts sweet and eaten by humans. Host to Luna, Funeral Dagger, and Giant Regal moths.

Fruit:

4-ribbed nut 1.5- 2” long, with thick, cleanly splitting greenish-brown hull and white edible meat.

Flower:

Male: 3- 4" yellow-green catkins, three hanging from one stalk: Female: 2 to 5 small clusters near the tip of the twig, both appear in spring.

Wildlife value:

Nuts, leaves and attracted insects are a food source for mammals, insects and insectivorous birds. Serves as cover for numerous small mammals, birds and insects.

Fruit