Water Hickory

Carya aquatica

Physical Characteristics

Carya aquatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from June to October, in flower from April to May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas, north to Illinois.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked. Astringent[177]. The seed is up to 35mm long, it is produced in clusters of 3 - 4 and has a thin shell, but the kernel is very bitter[11, 82, 229]. The seed ripens in late autumn and, when stored in its shell in a cool place, will keep for at least 6 months[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known