Plant Description:
Carya tomentosa (Lam. ex Poir.) Nutt. var. subcoriacea (Sarg.) Palmer & Steyermark, commonly known as mockernut hickory, is a tall deciduous tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family. It grows up to 30 – 40 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a rounded or irregular crown that can spread up to 25 meters wide. The bark is grayish brown, thick, and has shallow furrows and fissures. The leaves are compound, alternate, and can grow up to 30 – 60 cm long. They are dark green, with a yellow-green underside and a soft woolly texture.
Origin:
The mockernut hickory is native to eastern and central North America, where it occurs in the United States from New York to Minnesota, south to Florida, and west to Texas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can be found in a variety of habitats, including uplands, bottomlands, and old fields.
Common Names:
Mockernut hickory is also known as bigleaf shagbark, white hickory, and brown hickory. The name "mockernut" refers to the nut's smaller size and thicker shell compared to other hickory nuts, making it difficult to crack and consumed by few species of animals.
Uses:
The mockernut hickory has various uses, including lumber, fuelwood, and nut production. The wood is strong, hard, and durable and has been used for furniture, flooring, tool handles, and construction material. The nuts are edible, although less commonly consumed due to their high tannin content, making them taste bitter. The bark, leaves, and nuts of the plant have also been used in traditional medicine for their astringent and antidiarrheal properties. The tree is also used for wildlife habitat, as its foliage provides food for caterpillars, and its nuts are eaten by mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and deer.
Light Requirements
The plant Carya tomentosa (Lam. ex Poir.) Nutt. var. subcoriacea (Sarg.) Palmer & Steyermark prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is necessary for healthy development. Without adequate sunlight, the plant may suffer from stunted growth, reduced fruit production, and decreased overall vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the plant Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is between 70°F and 90°F. However, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 100°F and as low as -10°F. The plant prefers moderate summers, cool winters and is well adapted to a temperate climate. High temperatures and low humidity may increase the plant's water requirement. In regions with extremely hot weather conditions, the plant requires additional watering to maintain healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is moderately adaptable and can thrive in various soil types. It prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, allowing moisture retention without causing waterlogging. The soil texture can be clay loam or sandy loam, as long as it has good drainage. The plant can tolerate drought-like conditions and is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance species.
Cultivation methods
Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is commonly known as mockernut hickory, a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 100 feet. It requires full sun to grow well and can thrive in different types of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils. To cultivate this plant, begin by choosing a well-draining site that receives sunlight throughout the day. Prepare the planting hole to twice the size of the root ball of the plant, amend the soil with organic matter, and plant the tree at the same level as it was planted in the nursery.
Watering needs
Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is a tree that can tolerate drought but prefers moist soils. Water your plant well after planting and keep it moist during the first growing season. After establishment, reduce watering but ensure that the plant receives water during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth of your Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea, fertilize it annually. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio. Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning
Pruning Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is essential to train its shape and improve its structure. Prune your tree during winter while it's dormant to avoid sap bleeding. Remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. Ensure that the central leader remains dominant, and remove any competing branches by pruning them back to their point of origin. Avoid over-pruning as it can stimulate unwanted growth.
Propagation of Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea
Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea, commonly known as mockernut hickory, can be propagated through various methods including seed germination, grafting, and budding.
Seed propagation
Seeds of mockernut hickory should be collected in the fall and stratified at 4°C for 90-120 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in containers or directly into the ground in early spring. Germination can take up to 3 months.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating mockernut hickory. In this method, a scion from a desirable cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species, such as Carya cordiformis. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a humid environment until the graft has taken.
Budding
Budding is another form of grafting, where a bud from a desirable cultivar is inserted under the bark of a seedling or young tree. This method is commonly used because it requires less plant material than traditional grafting methods, and results in a faster turnaround of propagated plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya tomentosa (Lam. ex Poir.) Nutt. var. subcoriacea (Sarg.) Palmer & Steyermark
Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea, commonly known as Mockernut Hickory, is a slow-growing tree that belongs to the Juglandaceae family. Although it is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it may still fall prey to certain ailments under specific conditions. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect Mockernut Hickory is the Hickory Anthracnose (Gnomonia caryae). It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, twig dieback, and crown cankers. The disease spreads through spores, which are carried by rain or wind. To manage Hickory Anthracnose, one should consider planting resistant Carya tomentosa cultivars, removing infected branches, and ensuring proper sanitation during pruning. Fungicides may help to control the spread of the disease.
Another fungal disease that may affect Mockernut Hickory is the Powdery Mildew caused by Uncinula spp. The fungal disease primarily affects the foliage, and it manifests as white, powdery patches on the leaves. The disease can cause leaf drop and reduce plant vigor. To manage Powdery Mildew, one should ensure adequate air circulation around the tree, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Although Mockernut Hickory is relatively pest-resistant, some insects may still pose a threat under certain conditions. One of the common pests that may affect the plant is the Hickory Bark Beetle (Scolytus quadrispinosus). The beetle is small and brown and typically feeds on the bark of the tree. The damage caused by the beetle can lead to the decline of the tree. To manage Hickory Bark Beetle, one should consider planting tolerant Carya tomentosa varieties, maintaining tree vigor, and removing and destroying infested trees.
Another pest that may affect the plant is the Hickory Shuckworm (Cydia caryana). The insect is small, and its larvae feed on the nut kernels. The infestation can cause nut drop and reduce yield. To manage Hickory Shuckworm, one should consider planting resistant varieties of Carya tomentosa, harvesting nuts promptly, and destroying infected nuts. Pesticides may be recommended in severe cases.
In conclusion, while Carya tomentosa var. subcoriacea is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it is still vulnerable to certain conditions that may foster diseases and pests. Regular monitoring of the plant, proper sanitation, adequate irrigation, and timely harvesting can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases and pests.
