Overview of Carya glabra var. villosa
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. villosa (Sarg.) B.L. Robins., commonly known as the velvet hickory or hairy hickory, is a tree species belonging to the Juglandaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States and is known for its unique characteristics and uses.
Appearance of Carya glabra var. villosa
Carya glabra var. villosa is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall. The tree has a narrow, straight trunk with a diameter of about 1 to 2 feet. The bark is gray and smooth on young trees but develops shallow furrows and ridges as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets along a central stem. The leaflets are ovate or lanceolate in shape and can be up to 8 inches long. The leaflets are dark green and shiny on top, and paler and slightly fuzzy on the underside.
Uses of Carya glabra var. villosa
The fruit of Carya glabra var. villosa, which is a nut commonly known as the hickory nut, is edible and highly valued for its rich and sweet flavor. The hickory nut is a popular ingredient for baking and as a snack. The wood of the tree is also highly valued for its strength and durability. It is commonly used for making tool handles, furniture, and flooring, among other things. Additionally, the tree is used in landscaping and as a shade tree.
Growth Conditions for Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. villosa (Sarg.) B.L. Robins.
Light Requirements: Carya glabra var. villosa typically grow in full sun to partial shade conditions. The amount of light required varies depending on the age of the plant. Younger plants require more shade as they are more susceptible to sunscald and other sun-related damage.
Temperature Requirements: These trees grow in hot and humid climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60°F and 80°F. They are more suited to southwestern regions of the United States, where the climate is warm and dry. Cold temperatures can cause damage to the tree and reduce growth rates.
Soil Requirements: The soil requirements for Carya glabra var. villosa are well-drained and moist soil. The tree can grow in a wide range of soils including sand, loam, and clay, but it prefers rich, moist soil. The pH range for optimal growth is between 6.0 and 7.0. It is important to avoid planting in heavily compacted soils or soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Carya glabra (P. Mill.) Sweet var. villosa (Sarg.) B.L. Robins., commonly known as the woollyback hickory or woolly hickory, is a deciduous tree native to southeastern and eastern USA.
It does well in USDA zones 5 to 9 and grows to a height of 50-80 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide. For successful cultivation, plant the saplings in well-drained, slightly acidic, moist soil and in a site that receives full sun to partial shade exposure.
Watering Needs
The woollyback hickory tree is fairly drought tolerant once it's established. New trees will require regular watering until the roots are well established. During summers, water the tree once per week. In winters, water only if the soil is dry, but be careful not to over-water as the woollyback hickory can't tolerate wet soil.
Fertilization
During the first year of planting the woolly hickory, it needs regular watering and no fertilization. From the second to the fifth year, apply slow-release or granular fertilizer once per year during early spring and water it deeply. Mature trees need feeding every two to three years using either slow-release or granular fertilizer. Remember not to fertilize the tree in mid to late summer to avoid winter damage.
Pruning
The woollyback hickory requires a little pruning to maintain optimum health. Prune the tree when it's young such that it has one central leader with strong lateral branches spaced evenly around the trunk. Remove any competing branches, water sprouts, and any damaged or diseased wood. Suckers that appear at the base of the tree should be removed completely. Mature trees may occasionally need pruning to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, but avoid over-pruning as it may damage the tree and reduce nut production.
Propagation of Carya glabra var. villosa
Carya glabra var. villosa, commonly known as the woolly stem hickory, can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Carya glabra var. villosa are encased in a hard outer shell that requires specific treatment for successful germination. The first step in seed propagation is to collect mature nuts from the parent tree in the fall. The nuts should be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring.
Before planting, the nuts should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours. This process helps to soften the hard seed coat and encourages germination. After soaking, the nuts can be placed in a plastic bag with moist sphagnum moss and stored in a cool, dark location for 2-3 months.
After the cold stratification period, the nuts can be planted in a pot or directly in the ground. Plant the nuts 2-3 inches deep and keep the soil moist until germination. It may take several years for seed-grown trees to reach maturity and begin producing nuts.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Carya glabra var. villosa involves taking cuttings from a mature tree and encouraging the growth of new roots. This method produces clones of the parent tree, maintaining the genetic qualities of the original plant.
Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall before the onset of winter. Choose a healthy stem and cut a section that is 6-8 inches long with a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears. Remove all but the top pair of leaves and make a slanted cut at the base of the cutting.
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the soil moist and warm until roots begin to grow. After several weeks, gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating that roots have formed. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya glabra var. villosa
Carya glabra var. villosa, commonly known as the woolly hickory or the hairy hickory, is a deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a popular ornamental tree and a valuable source of nuts, timber, and wood products. However, like any plant species, it is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can cause damage and reduce yield. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain the health and productivity of Carya glabra var. villosa.
Common Diseases
Carya glabra var. villosa is vulnerable to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, twig blight, and cankers, ultimately leading to leaf drop and twig dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune and discard infected branches, improve air circulation and sunlight, and avoid overhead watering.
- Bacterial leaf scorch: This bacterial disease causes yellowing and browning of leaves, followed by branch dieback. There is no known cure for bacterial leaf scorch, but pruning can help to slow down the disease spread and improve the tree's vigor.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, followed by branch dieback. There is no cure for verticillium wilt, but infected trees can be removed and replanted with resistant species.
Common Pests
Carya glabra var. villosa is also vulnerable to various pests, such as:
- Hickory shuckworm: This insect pest feeds on the nuts, causing them to drop prematurely or become unusable. To manage hickory shuckworm, remove and destroy fallen nuts, avoid planting new trees near infested ones, and apply proper insecticides.
- Pecan weevil: This insect pest lays eggs on the nuts, leading to them developing brown spots and falling prematurely. To manage pecan weevil, use pheromone traps to monitor the population, remove and destroy fallen nuts, and apply proper insecticides.
Effective disease and pest management practices for Carya glabra var. villosa include selecting healthy planting material, maintaining good tree hygiene, employing cultural practices, and using appropriate chemical control measures. For severe infestations or infections, consulting a professional arborist or extension agent is strongly recommended.
