Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg.
Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg. is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the hickory family (Juglandaceae). It is commonly known as Arkansas shagbark hickory, and can be found in central and southeastern United States.
General Appearance
The Arkansas shagbark hickory can grow up to 100 feet tall, and is characterized by its shaggy bark that peels off in long, narrow strips. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5 to 7 leaflets, and can grow up to 12 inches long. The tree produces fruit in the form of a large, pear-shaped nut that is enclosed in a four-part shell.
Uses
The nuts produced by the Arkansas shagbark hickory are edible and are a traditional food source for many indigenous communities. The wood of the tree is also highly valued for its strength and durability, and is used in the production of furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
Additionally, the Arkansas shagbark hickory provides valuable habitat for wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. It is also a popular ornamental tree, due to its attractive foliage and unique bark.
Growth conditions for Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg.
Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg., popularly known as the Arkansas hickory, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows in forests and woodlands, preferring well-drained soils.
Light requirements
Carya buckleyi requires full sun to part shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade in its early stages but requires more sunlight as it ages. Lack of adequate sunlight can result in a stunted or misshapen tree.
Temperature requirements
The Arkansas hickory thrives in warm climates, preferring temperatures between 60 and 90°F. It is tolerant of drought but does not tolerate flooding and frost well. In the winter, the tree goes dormant and sheds its leaves.
Soil requirements
The Arkansas hickory prefers well-drained soils that are acidic to neutral pH. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it does not tolerate wet soils or soil compaction well. Providing the tree with adequate water is crucial during its establishment phase, but it can tolerate some drought once established.
Cultivation
Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg., also known as the Arkansas hickory, can be grown in a variety of soils but thrives in loamy, well-draining soil. Choose a sunny spot to plant your tree, making sure it will have ample room to grow.
The tree is moderately tolerant of drought conditions but benefits from regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.
Arkansas hickory is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F (-23.3°C). Consider planting it in the spring to allow it to establish itself before winter.
Watering
During the first year after planting, it's important to water the tree deeply and regularly, encouraging it to establish a robust root system. After the tree is established, deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, but be sure to adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and weather conditions.
Fertilization
Arkansas hickory doesn't need much fertilization. However, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied to the tree's root zone in early spring before new growth begins.
Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth or damage to the tree's roots. It's always a good idea to have your soil tested to determine specific nutrient needs.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for Arkansas hickory, but occasional maintenance can help keep the tree healthy and attractive. Remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches whenever you notice them, and prune back any branches that are crossing or rubbing together.
It's best to avoid heavy pruning, as Arkansas hickory can develop hollow heartwood or other structural issues in response to wounds or stress. If you do need to make a major cut to the tree, do so when it's dormant in late fall or early winter.
Propagation of Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg.
Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg., commonly known as the Arkansas hickory or Buckley's hickory, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods which include seed propagation, root cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Carya buckleyi. The seeds should be collected during the fall season when they start to fall from the tree. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting to reduce dormancy.
After soaking, the seeds can be planted directly into the soil. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. Sow the seeds at a depth that is roughly twice the size of the seed. Water the soil regularly and protect the planted area from birds and other animals.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings can be taken in the fall after the leaves have dropped. Cuttings should be 6 inches long, preferably made from young wood. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant.
The cuttings should be planted in a pot filled with fine sand or compost. Water frequently and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cutting will develop new roots within a few weeks. Once the roots become established, the cutting can be transplanted to a bigger pot or a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of asexual propagation that is used to produce trees with desirable characteristics. In Carya buckleyi, grafting is accomplished by taking a scion of a desired cultivar and attaching it to a rootstock of a related cultivar. The scion and rootstock should have a similar diameter for better compatibility.
Grafting should be done during the dormant season, normally in late winter or early spring. The rootstock is usually planted in the fall and allowed to establish roots before grafting. After grafting, the plant should be protected from wind, frost, and extreme temperatures until the union becomes established.
Disease and Pest Management of Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg.
Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg., also known as the Arkansas shagbark hickory, is a deciduous tree that can be vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management are critical to maintaining the health and vitality of this species in natural and cultivated settings.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Carya buckleyi is hickory decline, a complex disease that usually results from a combination of environmental, biological, and/or genetic factors. Symptoms of hickory decline include thinning of the canopy, leaf discoloration, reduced growth, and eventual death of the tree. Management strategies for hickory decline include improving soil drainage, reducing competition from other plants or stressors, and promoting genetic diversity by planting a variety of hickory species.
Another disease that can affect Carya buckleyi is leaf blotch, caused by the fungus Gnomonia caryaevora. Symptoms of leaf blotch include circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves, which may then drop prematurely. Management strategies for leaf blotch include maintaining good tree health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, as well as removing and destroying infected leaves and other debris.
Common Pests
Carya buckleyi is also susceptible to several insect pests, including the hickory shuckworm, leafhoppers, and aphids, which can cause significant damage to the tree if left unmanaged. The hickory shuckworm is particularly damaging, as the larvae bore into the nut shucks and can cause early nut drop or reduced quality of the nuts. Management strategies for these pests include cultural practices like maintaining good tree health, practicing good sanitation, and using insecticides when necessary.
It is important to note that while pesticides may be an effective management strategy in some cases, they should be used judiciously and in accordance with label directions to avoid negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.
In summary, effective disease and pest management for Carya buckleyi Dur. var. arkansana (Sarg.) Sarg. is critical to maintaining the health and vitality of this important tree species. By implementing a combination of cultural practices and targeted interventions, it is possible to mitigate the risks posed by common diseases and pests and ensure the long-term survival of this species in natural and cultivated settings.
