Origin
Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch var. australis (Ashe) Little, commonly known as Southern shagbark hickory, is a species of hickory native to the southeastern United States including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Common Names
This species of hickory has many common names, including Southern shagbark hickory, Carolina hickory, and shellbark hickory.
Uses
The nuts of this species are edible and highly valued for their rich flavor. The wood is also prized for its strength and durability and is often used in furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
General Appearance
The Southern shagbark hickory is a large deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 80 feet. It has a straight trunk and a rounded crown of branches. The bark is light gray and becomes shaggy with age, hence the name "shagbark." The leaves are pinnately compound and can measure up to 12 inches in length with 5-7 leaflets. The nuts are large, edible, and encased in a hard, thick shell that splits into four sections.
Light Requirements
The Carya ovata var. australis typically needs full sunlight for proper growth and development. The young saplings require direct sunlight to establish their root systems and prepare for future growth. Older mature trees can tolerate some shade, but it is recommended to plant them in a location with maximum exposure to sunlight. Reduced light can lead to stunted growth and decreased yield of nuts.
Temperature Requirements
The Carya ovata var. australis is often grown in the southern regions of the United States where the climate is warm and humid. The tree is well-adapted to these regions and can withstand high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the tree is between 60-90°F. Temperatures below 50°F or above 100°F can cause damage to the leaves and decrease nut production. The tree requires a dormant period of at least 700-1000 chilling hours per year to produce viable buds and nuts.
Soil Requirements
The Carya ovata var. australis prefers deep, well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The tree can tolerate various soil types, including loam, sand, and clay as long as they have good drainage. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The ideal soil conditions should have a water-holding capacity of 50-60%, allowing the tree to maintain adequate moisture levels during dry periods. The planting site must also allow water drainage to prevent flooding or standing water.
Cultivation Methods
Carya ovata var. australis, commonly known as the southern shagbark hickory, typically grows in large forests and woodlands located in the southeastern parts of the United States. It prefers well-draining and fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. When cultivating this plant in your garden, ensure that the area is free from competition as it requires adequate space to grow and develop.
Watering Needs
The southern shagbark hickory requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that you perform deep and infrequent watering, providing the plant with about 1-2 inches of water once or twice weekly. However, reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant season to prevent waterlogging, which may damage the roots.
Fertilization
You may need to fertilize your Carya ovata var. australis plant every spring, using slow-releasing fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the recommended rates and apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant's root zone. Avoid fertilizing the plant in late summer or early fall as this can encourage new growth that may not harden-off before winter, leading to potential damage.
Pruning
Pruning of the southern shagbark hickory should be minimal. It is best to avoid pruning when the plant is young, and instead, shape it as it grows to provide adequate clearance below the canopy. Prune any damaged or diseased branches during the dormant season. You should also look out for water shoots that sprout from the base of the plant and promptly remove them when they appear.
Propagation of Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch var. australis (Ashe) Little
Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch var. australis (Ashe) Little, commonly known as Southern shagbark hickory, is a deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done by using either seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Carya ovata var. australis. The seeds of this plant should be collected from the parent plant in late autumn after they have fallen to the ground. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring.
In the spring, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, making sure to plant them no deeper than 1 inch. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which can take up to several weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to one seedling per pot or 6 inches apart in the ground.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Carya ovata var. australis can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as grafting, budding, and rooting cuttings. These methods are generally used to propagate known cultivars or superior tree types and are not recommended for the average home gardener due to their complexity.
Grafting is the most common vegetative method of propagation. In this method, a scion (a piece of the desired cultivar) is grafted onto a rootstock (a seedling of the same species). The graft union should be covered with grafting wax or tape to prevent moisture loss.
Budding is similar to grafting, but instead of inserting a scion, a bud from the desired cultivar is inserted into a slit in the bark of the rootstock. The bud is then covered with plastic wrap or budding tape to protect it until it has healed and begun to grow.
Rooting cuttings is another vegetative method of propagation, but it is rarely successful with Carya ovata var. australis due to the difficulty in rooting hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in the spring may be more successful, but they still have a low success rate.
Disease Management
Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch var. australis (Ashe) Little is susceptible to several diseases, which can impact both the quantity and quality of nut production. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause twig blight and leaf spotting, leading to early leaf drop. To manage this disease, prune infected branches and apply a fungicide during bud break.
- Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungus causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected trees and avoid replanting in the same area.
- Crown Gall: This bacterial disease causes galls on the roots and crown of the tree, leading to stunted growth and reduced nut production. To manage this disease, remove infected trees and avoid injuring the roots during planting.
Pest Management
Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch var. australis (Ashe) Little is also susceptible to several pests, which can cause damage to the tree and reduce nut production. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Hickory Shuckworm: This insect pest feeds on the nut kernels, causing them to become discolored and inedible. To manage this pest, apply insecticide during the growing season.
- Hickory Weevil: This insect pest feeds on the developing nuts, causing them to fall prematurely from the tree. To manage this pest, apply insecticide during the growing season and remove fallen nuts from the orchard.
- Yellow Pecan Aphid: This insect pest feeds on the foliage, causing it to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this pest, apply insecticide during the growing season and encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to inhabit the orchard.
