Mockernut Hickory

Mockernut Hickory Carya tomentosaThe mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) is a tall, short-limbed tree with a narrow crown and upright branches. It is found quite generally in the eastern part of the United States as far west as Kansas and Texas and in southeastern Iowa. In Iowa it grows on uplands but usually occurs further down the slopes than shagbark hickory.

Hardiness: Zones 6 through 8

mockernut hickory tree in the fall with orange leaves
Mockernut Hickory Tree, Photo by John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Growth Rate: Slow

Mature Shape: Ovular

Height: 60-70 feet

Width: 20-30 feet

Site Requirements: Well-drained deep fertile soil

Leaves: Alternate compound with five to nine leaflets

Flowering Dates: April - May

Seed Dispersal Dates: September - December

Seed Bearing Age: 25 years

Seed Bearing Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Seed Stratification: Prechilling for 5 months at 34°F to 40°F

The pinnately compound leaves have five to seven leaflets which are broader toward the  tips and more wedge-shaped toward the base than the leaves of the other hickories. The leaflets are yellow-green and glossy above, pale to orange-brown beneath, with soft, velvety surface. They turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.

The oval, slightly pear-shaped fruit has a thick, strong-scented husk, which splits nearly to the base when ripe. The nut is reddish to dark brown, with a thick shell and small, sweet kernel.

On older branches the bark is light to dark gray and on the trunks it breaks into broad, shallow and somewhat plate like ridges that are not shaggy.

two variations of mockernut hickory bark, one shaggy, one not.
Mockernut Hickory Bark - Photos by Chris Evans, River to River, CWMA, Bugwood.org

mockernut hickory leaves
Mockernut Hickory Leaves - Photo by Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org

mockernut hickory flowers
Mockernut Hickory Flowers - Photo by Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org