Overview of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Juglandaceae or walnut family. It is a hybrid between the pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and the sweetbay hickory (Carya aquatica). This tree is also known by its common name, Nussbaumer hickory.
Origin of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
The Nussbaumer hickory is native to the southeastern part of the United States, particularly in Louisiana. It was first discovered in the property of Bernd Nussbaumer, a forestry researcher in Louisiana, during the 1990s. The pecan and sweetbay hickory naturally grew in the same area, which allowed them to cross-pollinate and produce the hybrid tree.
Uses of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
The nuts of the Nussbaumer hickory are edible and can be eaten raw or used in cooking. They have a sweet, buttery flavor similar to pecans, which is attributed to their pecan parentage. However, the nuts are smaller and harder to crack than traditional pecans, limiting their commercial value.
The Nussbaumer hickory is also used in landscaping and as a shade tree. With its attractive bark, shiny leaves, and huge size, it is a popular addition to parks and gardens in the southeastern United States.
Appearance of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
The Nussbaumer hickory is a large, broad tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 80 feet wide. Its bark is gray with deep furrows and ridges, giving it a rough and textured appearance. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets that are arranged opposite each other along a central stem. The leaflets are dark green and shiny on the top, and paler on the bottom. The Nussbaumer hickory produces small green flowers that bloom in the spring and develop into edible nuts in the fall.
Light Requirements
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plants that are grown in shaded areas may not produce as much fruit or have dense foliage.
Temperature Requirements
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. requires warm temperatures to grow well. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, which typically have an average minimum temperature of -10 to 25°F (-23 to -4°C). If grown in areas with colder temperatures, frost damage may occur on the tree early in spring.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is well-drained, deep, and fertile. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy soils and clay-loam soils, but poorly drained soils should be avoided. It is best to provide a site where the plant can access moisture and nutrients easily without getting waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is a type of hybrid hickory tree that is cultivated for its nuts. To grow this plant, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. When planting, make sure the hole is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. After planting, mulch the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. requires consistent watering during the first couple of years after planting. This is especially important during hot and dry weather. Once the plant is established, it should be watered deeply and infrequently. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content should be applied in the early spring before new growth appears. Fertilizer should also be applied in the fall to help the tree prepare for winter.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. benefits from regular pruning to remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning also helps to shape the tree and promote healthy growth. When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is a hybrid tree resulting from natural cross-pollination between Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) and Carya laciniosa (shellbark hickory). Propagation of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. can be done using several methods, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be stratified for 3-4 months to break dormancy before planting. Germination usually occurs the following spring after planting. However, seed propagation does not usually produce trees that are true to type, and there can be considerable variability in seedling traits.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is the preferred method for propagating trees that will be true to type. The following methods are commonly used:
- Cleft grafting: This is the most widely used method of grafting hickories. The grafting is done during the dormant season using scions from 1-2 year old branches. The success rate of cleft grafting varies depending on the cultivar.
- Budding: This method involves the insertion of a bud from the desired cultivar into a tree of a closely related species. Budding is usually done in late summer when the bark is slipping.
- Layering: Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. can also be propagated by layering. In this method, a low-hanging branch is pinned to the ground and covered with soil. The buried portion of the branch will develop roots and can then be cut from the parent tree.
Propagation of Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. requires care and patience, but once established, the tree can be a valuable addition to the landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg.
Even though Carya ×nussbaumeri Sarg. is relatively disease-resistant, there are a few diseases and pests that can affect the plant. Here are some common threats and suggestions to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that typically affects the leaves of the plant, creating brown spots or blotches. The best way to manage anthracnose is by removing any infected leaves and ensuring proper air circulation around the plant.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that forms a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, prune any dense branches or foliage to enhance air circulation around the plant and spray with a fungicide if necessary.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by various fungi. It results in discolored or wilted leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure adequate soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
Pests
1. Pecan Weevils: Pecan weevils are pests that damage the nuts by burrowing into them. Evidence of an infestation is a small, round hole in the nut. To control pecan weevils, use pheromone traps or apply an insecticide.
2. Black Pecan Aphids: Black pecan aphids are insects that feed on the sap of the plant, leading to yellowed leaves and stunted growth. To control black pecan aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a systemic insecticide.
3. Fall Webworms: Fall webworms are caterpillars that spin webs around a group of leaves and feed on them. To control fall webworms, prune the affected branches and apply insecticide to the remaining webs.
Overall, the best way to manage diseases and pests is by maintaining the plant's overall health. Water the plant adequately, ensure adequate sunlight, and prune as needed. Prompt action can prevent the spread of disease or infestation.
