Mockernut,White Heart Hickory, Mockernut Hickory

Carya tomentosa

Physical Characteristics

Carya tomentosa is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf from June to November, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked[1, 43, 101, 159]. A delicious sweet taste but the thick, hard shell makes extraction very difficult[2, 183, 226]. The kernel is quite small considering the size of the nut[226]. Even squirrels leave the seed to accumulate under trees[117, 183]. The seed can be up to 6cm long[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]. Sap - used as a drink. Tapped in spring, it has a sweet flavour[101].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Detergent The inner bark is astringent and detergent[257]. It has been used as a dressing for cuts and has also been chewed to treat sore mouths[257].

Known Hazards

None known