Overview
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe is a type of hickory tree, belonging to the Juglandaceae family. It is commonly known as the hairy shellbark hickory, the woolly hickory, and the hairy-fruited hickory. This tree is native to southeastern North America, primarily found in the United States.Appearance
The Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe can grow up to 30-40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 60-120 cm. It has a round and open crown with wide-spreading branches. The leaves are compound, alternately arranged, and can grow up to 30 cm long. The leaflets are lanceolate with serrated edges and a pointed tip. The bark of the tree is light gray, smooth when young, and becomes shaggy and peeling with age. The fruit of this tree is a large and edible nut enclosed in a hard, thick, and woody husk covered with hairs or bristles.Uses
The nuts of the Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe have been used for centuries as a food source by indigenous people and early settlers. They are highly nutritious and have a distinctive, sweet, and rich flavor. Today, the nuts are still harvested and used in various dishes such as pies, cakes, and candies. The trees are also valued for their lumber, which is used to make furniture, flooring, and tools. The Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe is also known for its ornamental value. It is often planted in large landscapes and parks for its shade and beautiful fall foliage. However, due to its large size and deep root system, it is not recommended for small residential properties.In summary, the Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe is a magnificent and versatile tree. It is valued for its nuts, wood, and ornamental value, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Growth conditions for Carya glabra var. hirsuta
Carya glabra var. hirsuta, commonly known as the hairy-stemmed hickory or the big shellbark hickory, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is often found in moist soils of riverbanks, floodplains, and bottomlands. Here are some of the typical growth conditions for this tree:
Light
The hairy-stemmed hickory prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and a thinner canopy. In shady areas, the tree may not produce as much fruit as it would in full sun. Therefore, planting the tree in an area with plenty of sunlight is ideal.
Temperature
The hairy-stemmed hickory is adapted to grow in a variety of temperature conditions, although it prefers moderate temperatures. It can survive winters with temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) and summers with temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it may not grow as well in areas with extreme temperatures.
Soil requirements
The plant can grow well in a wide range of soils, provided they are well-drained. It prefers moist, fertile soils that are slightly acidic in nature, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate periodic flooding, but it may not do well in areas with prolonged flooding.
In general, the hairy-stemmed hickory is an adaptable tree that can grow in a variety of conditions. However, planting it in an area with good sunlight, moderate temperatures, and moist, fertile soils is likely to result in the best growth and yield.
Cultivation Methods
Carya glabra var. hirsuta is commonly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States. The plant prefers loamy and well-draining soil and a semi-shaded spot. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to select a location that provides partial shade. This is because the plant is intolerant of direct sunlight and may suffer from sunburns. The soil in which the plant is grown should be loamy, have a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, and be well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.Watering Needs
For Carya glabra var. hirsuta, it is best to provide moderate watering. The plant prefers to be kept consistently damp but not waterlogged. During summer, the soil should be moist, but care should be taken not to apply too much water since it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering can be reduced during fall and winter months, but the plant should still receive several mistings to keep the soil moist.Fertilization
Fertilization of Carya glabra var. hirsuta is not needed, as the plant can easily access the necessary nutrients from the soil. However, if you want to promote growth and development, apply a light layer of organic compost in spring. Compost is preferred to synthetic fertilizers, as it helps maintain the soil nutrient levels well into the growing season.Pruning
Pruning of Carya glabra var. hirsuta is necessary, and it should be done in the fall or late winter when the plant is dormant. Prune any dead or diseased branches with sterile pruning shears, making sure to sterilize the blades in between cuts with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease. Remove the lower branches, which tend to grow towards the bottom of the plant. This helps promote good airflow and reduces the risk of fungal infections. It is important to avoid pruning during the summer months as this may cause sunburns on the leaves and result in damage to the plant.Propagation of Carya glabra var. hirsuta
Carya glabra var. hirsuta, also known as the hairy-stemmed hickory, can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Carya glabra var. hirsuta is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected when they are mature and then immediately sown into a moist seedbed during the fall. The seedbed should be kept moist and free of weeds to ensure optimal growing conditions for the seedlings. After one year, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into their permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Carya glabra var. hirsuta. The scionwood should be collected in late winter or early spring, just before bud break, and stored in a cool, moist location until it can be grafted onto a compatible rootstock. The rootstock should be actively growing when the graft is performed in early spring. After the graft union has formed, the rootstock can be planted in its permanent location.
Cuttings
Propagation of Carya glabra var. hirsuta through cuttings is possible, but success rates can be low. The best time to take hardwood cuttings is in late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and then placed in a rooting medium that is kept moist and under high humidity. After roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into their permanent location.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to keep the newly propagated plants in a location with adequate sunlight, moisture, and nutrient-rich soil until they are well established.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. hirsuta (Ashe) Ashe, commonly known as the bitter pecan or water hickory, is a tree species that is prone to several diseases and pests that can reduce its growth and yield. In this section, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that affect the tree and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect the Carya glabra is the pecan scab, caused by a fungus called Cladosporium caryigenum. The disease affects the leaves and fruits, causing dark, sunken lesions on them. The best way to manage the disease is by planting resistant cultivars and practicing good sanitation measures.
Another disease that affects Carya glabra is the powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Uncinula effusa. The disease causes a whitish, powdery coating on the leaves and young twigs, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth. Management of the disease involves planting resistant cultivars, pruning infected parts, and spraying with fungicides.
Pests
Carya glabra is also prone to several pests, including hickory shuckworm, pecan weevil, and aphids. The hickory shuckworm larvae feed on the shuck of immature fruits, leading to the deformation of the fruits. The best way to manage the pest is by spraying the young fruits with insecticides during the early season.
The pecan weevil, on the other hand, feeds on the nuts, causing significant damage to the crop. The pest can be controlled by implementing cultural practices such as collecting and destroying fallen nuts and soil cultivation to expose and kill the larvae.
Aphids can also infest Carya glabra, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and reduced photosynthesis. The pest can be managed by spraying with insecticides or through natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Carya glabra is critical to ensure good growth and yield. Planting resistant cultivars, practicing sanitation measures, and implementing cultural practices such as pruning and soil cultivation can go a long way in preventing and controlling diseases and pests.
