Overview
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg., commonly known as the hairy bitternut or kingnut hickory, is a deciduous tree species found in the eastern United States. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family and is closely related to other hickory species such as pecan and shagbark hickory.
Appearance
The hairy bitternut hickory tree can grow up to 30-60 feet tall and has a broad, irregular crown. The tree's bark is grayish-brown and has distinctive ridges and furrows. The leaves are pinnately compound and measure around 8-14 inches long, with 7-9 lanceolate leaflets that have finely serrated margins. The flowers of the tree are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in the spring along with the new foliage. The fruit is a large, oval nut with a hard, thick husk that splits open when ripe, revealing the edible kernel. This variety is unique in that it has a dense covering of fine, bristly hairs on the surface of the nut, hence the name "hirsuta."
Uses
The hairy bitternut hickory is primarily a timber tree, valued for its hard, strong wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, tool handles, and other construction purposes. The tree also produces edible nuts, although they are considered bitter and not as palatable as other hickory nuts. The nuts are sometimes utilized by wildlife, particularly squirrels and birds. Overall, the tree's ecological and aesthetic value makes it a popular choice for landscaping, reforestation, and wildlife habitat restoration.
Light Requirements
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. typically grow in full sun to partial shade. When planting, it is best to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Tree seedlings should be protected from intense sunlight during the first growing season to prevent sunscald.
Temperature Requirements
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but prefer climates that have warm summers and cool winters. They are able to tolerate temperatures as low as -18°C and as high as 40°C. The tree's hardiness zones are 4-9.
Soil Requirements
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. are tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefer moist, well-draining soil. They are often found growing in bottomlands and along the edges of streams and rivers. The soil pH should be between 6.0-7.5. These trees are known to grow in clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is important to note that these trees are not tolerant of standing water and require good drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg.
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. is commonly known as hairy sand hickory, which is a type of hickory tree belonging to the Carya genus. To cultivate this tree, you must first ensure that it is planted in a location where it can receive full sun for at least six hours a day. This tree grows well in well-drained soils, and if the soil is not well-drained, it should be amended with compost or sand.
Watering Needs for Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg.
During the first few years of growth, Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. requires frequent watering to encourage root growth. After that, it can survive on rainfall alone. However, if there is a drought, you should water the tree once a week to ensure it remains healthy. It should be noted that this tree is drought-tolerant and can survive sustained periods without water.
Fertilization for Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg.
The hairy sand hickory responds well to nitrogen fertilizer, and it should be added to the soil at least once every year during the early spring. You can also use compost or rotted manure to add nutrients to the soil. However, be sure not to add too much fertilizer as it can burn the roots and harm the plant.
Pruning of Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg.
Pruning is not necessary for Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg. However, if you wish to control its shape or size, you must prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove the limbs that are crossing and rubbing against each other, those that are dead, diseased, or broken. It would be best if you did not remove more than 1/3 of the tree's total growth as it can cause damage to the tree.
Propagation of Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg.
Carya ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. hirsuta (Ashe) Sarg., commonly known as the hairy-fruited nut hickory, can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The simplest and most common method of propagation for Carya ovalis var. hirsuta is by seed. Collect mature nuts in the fall when they naturally fall to the ground. Remove the husks, and soak the nuts in water for 24 hours to promote germination. Plant the nuts 1-2 inches deep in a potting mix, and keep the soil moist. Germination may take several weeks to several months. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted directly in the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Another possible propagation method for Carya ovalis var. hirsuta is through hardwood cuttings. Take a cutting 8-12 inches long from the branch of a mature tree during the dormant season, usually in late fall to early spring. Select a cutting that is free of diseases and insects and has a diameter of at least 1/4 inch. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist peat moss, sand, or a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and provide bottom heat to increase rooting success. Rooting may take several months. Once roots have developed, transplant the cutting into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation used by professionals and hobbyists. It involves combining two different plant materials to grow a new plant with desired characteristics. One method of grafting used for Carya ovalis var. hirsuta is dormant bench grafting, where scion wood (the part of the plant to be propagated) is grafted onto a rootstock (the part of the plant that provides the root system). The scion wood and rootstock must be of the same species and compatible. Grafting is usually done in the late winter or early spring during the dormant season. Once the graft has taken, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container or planted directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya ovalis var. hirsuta
Carya ovalis var. hirsuta is a type of hickory tree that is native to eastern North America. Like other plants, it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. In this section, we will provide information about common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Pests
Hickory Bark Beetle: These beetles can attack and kill weakened trees. Signs of their presence include small holes in the bark and sawdust at the base of the tree. Infected trees should be removed and disposed of to prevent further spread.
Twig Girdler: These insects can girdle twigs, causing them to fall from the tree. Infected branches should be pruned and removed from the area.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar: These caterpillars can defoliate trees if left unchecked. One way to manage them is to remove egg masses from the tree during the winter. If infestations occur, physical removal (such as pruning) or biological control (such as introducing natural predators) can be effective.
Squirrels: Squirrels can be a nuisance to hickory trees, as they will eat the nuts before they ripen. Exclusion methods, such as wrapping the trunk with metal or installing netting around the tree, can help prevent squirrel damage.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot and defoliation. To manage anthracnose, infected foliage should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be used preventatively.
Brown Rot: This fungal disease can cause fruit rot. To manage brown rot, infected fruit should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be used preventatively.
Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne disease can cause root rot and wilting. To manage Phytophthora root rot, proper cultural practices should be followed, such as avoiding overwatering and improving drainage. Fungicides may also be used preventatively.
Pecan Weevil: This insect can cause damage to the nuts of hickory trees. To manage pecan weevils, infected nuts should be removed and destroyed. Barrier methods, such as sticky bands around the trunk, can also be effective.
By being vigilant and following these pest and disease management strategies, hickory tree growers can protect their Carya ovalis var. hirsuta from the most common threats.
