PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates wet soils better than most hickory species
Watering
Tolerates temporary standing water; avoid prolonged drought conditions
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 6–9; withstands mild frost and summer heat stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, 20–40 cm long with 7–11 lanceolate leaflets; glossy green above, pale and pubescent below
- Flower: Monoecious; drooping male catkins and small, greenish female flower clusters
- Stem/Bark: Mature bark is gray-brown, furrowed into scaly, interlacing ridges
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; tolerate seasonal flooding events
Fertilization
Apply well-rotted compost once monthly. Use nitrogen-balanced organic feeds to support root and canopy development
Banana peel tea：Steep 2–3 banana peels in 4 liters of water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 for root drench to support root healthPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin overcrowded canopy branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Trim low lower branches for ground clearance if grown in a landscape setting
- Avoid heavy pruning during active growing season to prevent stress
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; nuts are edible but have a bitter flavor
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Timber for tool handles; small, bitter edible nuts; riparian erosion control
