Plant Description
Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe, commonly known as the hirsute hickory, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family. It is a variation of the species Hicoria glabra, but distinct in its hairy twigs and buds. The tree grows up to 30 to 70 feet tall and has a spread of 25 to 40 feet. Hirsute hickory has an upright, irregularly shaped crown with a rough and gray bark. The leaves have a pinnate structure, with 5 to 9 leaflets ranging in size from 3 to 6 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. During the fall, the leaves turn yellowish-green to gold.
Origin and Distribution
The hirsute hickory tree is native to eastern North America, specifically in the southeastern and south-central regions of the United States. Its natural habitat includes deciduous forests, woodlands, and floodplains, usually growing on fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It is not known to be invasive or aggressive in its native range.
Common Names
In addition to hirsute hickory, the tree is also known by other common names such as big bud hickory, kingnut, shellbark hickory, and thick shellbark hickory. The name shellbark comes from the thick and hard outer layer of the nutshell, while hickory is derived from the native American word “pawcohiccora,” which means oily nut.
Uses
The nuts produced by the hirsute hickory are edible, and it has a unique and rich flavor often used in baked goods and other culinary dishes. The wood of the tree is also valuable and commonly used for furniture, tool handles, and flooring due to its strength and durability. The tree also has cultural and medicinal uses, specifically in the Native American tribes that inhabited the regions where the tree is found. They used various parts of the tree to treat ailments such as dysentery, coughs, and rheumatism.
Light Requirements:
Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta is well-adapted to grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it thrives better in partial shade as too much direct sunlight could cause leaf scorching. In partial shade, it grows tall and develops a straight trunk with a few branches that create a pyramidal shape.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant growth and development of Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta are favored by warm and temperate climatic conditions. It could grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, with an average annual temperature range of 5°C to 27°C. It requires a cooler winter season to set the buds for spring growth, and hot summers are necessary to promote good nut fill. The tree could tolerate slight drought conditions but would require supplemental irrigation during prolonged drought spells.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-drained, moist, and moderately fertile soils. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta could grow in different soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The plant could tolerate different soil textures and could grow from elevations of 0 to 2000 meters above sea level.
Cultivation Methods
Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe, commonly known as pignut hickory, is a deciduous tree that grows naturally in the eastern United States. The best time to plant pignut hickory trees is during the fall, after the leaves have dropped but before the ground has frozen. The tree prefers well-drained, moist soil and a location that receives full sun. The trees can grow up to 80-100 feet tall, so be sure to give them plenty of space to grow.
Watering Needs
Pignut hickory trees require regular watering during the first few years after planting to help establish a healthy root system. Once established, the trees can tolerate periods of drought, but prefer consistently moist soil. Water deeply and infrequently rather than frequent, shallow watering to encourage deep root growth. During extended periods of drought, supplemental watering may be necessary.
Fertilization
Pignut hickory trees do not require regular fertilization, but young trees may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can encourage excessive top growth and poor root development.
Pruning
Pignut hickory trees generally do not require extensive pruning, but occasional pruning of dead or damaged branches can help maintain the tree's health and appearance. Prune during the winter while the tree is dormant. Avoid pruning in the summer as this can cause stress to the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pest infestations.
Propagation of Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta Ashe
Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta Ashe, commonly known as the hairy sweetpecan, is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It can be propagated by various methods such as seed propagation, grafting, and cutting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta Ashe. You can collect the seeds from matured fruit that falls onto the ground or pick them directly from the tree in autumn. After collecting, soak the seeds in water for a day to soften their hard shells and to help with germination. Then, sow the seeds into a pot filled with moist soil mix and water gently. Place the pot in a spot that gets enough sunlight and warmth. You can expect the seeds to germinate in two to three weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta Ashe. This method involves taking a cutting from a matured tree and grafting it onto a young rootstock tree. After grafting, you need to keep the soil moist and protect the plant from harsh sunlight. Grafting helps to produce specific varieties and speeds up the maturity of the plant.
Cutting
Cutting propagation is a method that involves taking cuttings from the stem of a mature plant and replanting it. For Hicoria glabra var. hirsuta Ashe, use semi-hardwood cuttings with a length of 4 to 6 inches, which you can collect in the early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in a shaded spot. After three to four weeks, remove the plastic bag and place the plant in a sunny area.
Disease and Pest Management for Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe
Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe is a species of hickory tree that is commonly affected by various diseases and pests. To ensure the healthy growth of this plant, proper management and preventive measures must be implemented. In this article, we will discuss the most common diseases and pests that affect Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe and provide some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot diseases: Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe is highly susceptible to various leaf spot diseases. These diseases appear as small spots or lesions on the leaves, which can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections. To manage leaf spot diseases, some preventive measures that can be taken are the removal of infected leaves, proper sanitation and regular application of fungicides.
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus and can affect the leaves, stems, and fruits of Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe. It appears as dark spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation of the tree. Preventive measures include pruning of infected branches, providing proper air circulation, and regular application of fungicides.
Heart rot: Heart rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the inner wood tissues of the tree, leading to the hollowing of the stem. This can cause the tree to become weak and eventually fall down. To manage heart rot, prompt removal of infected branches or entire trees is recommended.
Common Pests
Japanese beetle: Japanese beetles can cause considerable damage to the leaves and fruits of Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe. They feed on the foliage, leaving behind skeletonized leaves with only the veins intact. To manage Japanese beetles, physical removal, such as handpicking, and the use of insecticides may be applied.
Squirrel: Squirrels have a habit of chewing the bark and twigs of Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe, which can lead to stunted growth and sometimes even death. To manage squirrels, various repellents can be used, such as sprays, or physical barriers can be constructed to keep them away from the tree.
Pecan weevil: Pecan weevils are insects that lay their eggs in the pecan nuts of Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe. The larvae then feed on the nut and cause it to prematurely fall off from the tree. To manage pecan weevils, harvest early, and use pheromone traps, and maintain general cleanliness.
Implementing proper disease and pest management is important in ensuring the healthy growth of Hicoria glabra (P. Mill.) Britt. var. hirsuta Ashe. By following the tips and recommendations above, the tree can remain healthy and productive for many years.
