Origin
Carya ×demareei Palmer is a naturally occurring hybrid plant that results from the crossbreeding of three different hickory species, namely the Carya ovata, Carya laciniosa, and Carya cordiformis. It was first discovered and named in 1978 by famous American botanist Eldon R. DeMarée, after whom the plant was named.
Common Names
The Carya ×demareei Palmer is more commonly known as Demaree's hybrid hickory, Eldon's hickory, or DeMarée's hickory. It is a rare and unique plant species that is primarily grown for its ornamental value, but it is also a food source for squirrels and other wildlife.
Uses
The Carya ×demareei Palmer has a limited and specific range of uses. Due to its rarity and low production, it is not commonly used for commercial purposes. The tree is primarily grown as a decorative plant due to its striking appearance and exceptional foliage color. Its attractive wood is also used for making small quantities of furniture, veneer, and tool handles
General Appearance
The Carya ×demareei Palmer is a deciduous tree that grows up to a maximum height of 30 meters and a width of 12 meters. It has a wide, conical shape with a dense crown, and its robust trunk can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The leaves of the Carya ×demareei Palmer are simple, alternate, and pinnately compound. They grow up to 30 centimeters long and contain 7 to 9 leaflets. During the fall season, the leaves turn brilliant yellow before dropping. The bark of the Carya ×demareei Palmer is gray-brown and vertically fissured. This plant's nuts are large, round, and have thick shells which are difficult to crack, making it difficult to yield edible nuts.
Light Requirements
Carya ×demareei Palmer requires full sun for optimal growth. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded areas, the plant might grow slower and produce fewer fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm, humid climate with a long growing season. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Carya ×demareei Palmer is between 20°C and 30°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures below freezing for short periods provided it gets enough sun and is not waterlogged. Extreme heat and dry conditions can cause stress, and the plant might not produce fruits in such conditions.
Soil Requirements
Carya ×demareei Palmer prefers well-drained soils that are fertile, rich, and slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be deep enough to accommodate its long taproot. Additionally, the soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. It is recommended to add organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve the soil quality, especially when the soil is heavy, clayey, or sandy. Avoid planting in salty, contaminated, or compacted soils.
Cultivation methods
Carya ×demareei Palmer is a slow-growing plant that requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It thrives in full sun exposure, but partial shade is also suitable. When planting, ensure that the hole is twice the size of the root ball and slightly deeper than the root ball. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to remove any air pockets.
Watering needs
Carya ×demareei Palmer requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is suitable, but the frequency may vary depending on the weather conditions. During the hot season, increase the frequency of watering to avoid the soil drying up.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Carya ×demareei Palmer will promote healthy growth and increase its resistance to diseases. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied before new growth emerges in spring. During late summer or early fall, apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients for the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning Carya ×demareei Palmer is necessary to remove damaged or diseased branches and maintain the plant's shape. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring. After pruning, apply a fungicide to prevent diseases from infecting the cut branches.
Propagation of Carya ×demareei Palmer
Carya ×demareei Palmer, commonly known as Demaree hickory, is a hybrid plant resulting from the cross-pollination of two hickory species - Carya ovata and Carya laciniosa. The plant can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. Carya ×demareei Palmer produces seeds annually, and they can be harvested when they mature in the fall. Once the seeds are collected, you can plant them directly into the soil or into a large pot containing a well-draining growing medium. You should plant the seeds at a depth of 2 to 3 times their diameter and water them thoroughly. The seeds will germinate in the spring.
Asexual Propagation
Carya ×demareei Palmer can also be propagated asexually through several methods:
- Grafting: This involves taking a stem cutting from a mature, healthy plant and attaching it to a young, disease-free rootstock. The two parts will grow together and form a new plant. Grafting is a common method used in horticulture to propagate plants with desirable traits from parent plants.
- Layering: Layering involves wounding a low-growing branch of the plant and burying it under soil while still attached to the parent plant. Roots will form at the wounded location and the branch can then be separated from the parent plant to form a new plant.
- Cuttings: You can also take stem cuttings from a mature plant and plant them in a soil-filled pot to grow new plants. The cuttings should be taken during the active growing season and should be kept in a warm and moist environment to encourage root growth.
- Tissue Culture: This propagation method involves growing new plants from small pieces of the plant tissue under sterile laboratory conditions. Tissue culture is a highly technical process and requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it's important to take care of the newly propagated plants to ensure their growth and success.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya ×demareei Palmer Plants
Carya ×demareei Palmer, commonly known as Demaree's Hickory, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. As a gardener, it's crucial to recognize these threats and take steps to manage them to prevent eventual destruction of the plant.
Common Diseases
Hickory Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark brown spots on the leaves, which may eventually turn yellow or red and drop from the tree. The disease spreads rapidly, and you may notice it during warm and wet weather conditions. Management involves pruning the infected parts of the tree and using fungicides as prescribed by a certified arborist.
Crown Gall: This bacterial infection forms tumors on the stems and roots of the plant. The tumors can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventual death. Prune the affected areas immediately and discard. Use sterilized pruning equipment, maintain excellent soil drainage, and avoid injuring the plant.
Common Pests
Hickory Bark Beetle: These pests bore into the tree bark and create tunnels, causing damage to the tree's vascular system. Signs of an infestation include sawdust around the base of the tree and holes in the bark. Control measures include removing and destroying infected wood, using insecticides while monitoring for new infestations, and maintaining plant health through proper fertilization.
Pecan Weevil: This pest is particularly devastating to the fruits, causing them to drop prematurely. The pest bores into the nut, making it inedible and unsellable. Clean the area around the plant, use pheromone traps to detect weevils and remove infected nuts from the tree during the fall season. Use pesticide treatments as necessary as prescribed by an expert.
By keeping a lookout for signs of these common diseases and pests and incorporating appropriate management measures, gardeners can ensure their Carya ×demareei Palmer plants remain healthy and vibrant.
