pignut hickory

Pignut Hickory Carya glabra
Family: Juglandaceae (Walnut)
Branching: Alternate
Other names: Red Hickory, Sweet Pignut Hickory

Pignut Hickory is a relatively uncommon tree in southern Ontario. It resembles the other hickories and has some features in common. Its bark more closely resembles that of Bitternut, but can have various degrees of shagginess while its buds more closely resemble Shagbark. The outer scales on the buds are shed in the fall, so they are less "ragged" than Shagbark Hickory buds. They are also covered in very fine hair. Red Hickory (or Sweet Pignut Hickory) is sometimes considered a separate species. It is similar in most respects but has sweet nuts and usually more leaflets on the leaves

Pignut Hickory end bud. Notice the lack of ragged outer scales and fine, downy hair

Another view of the end bud

Lateral bud and leaf scar of Pignut Hickory

Another view of the lateral bud (this is actually the same twig with different lighting)

Young bark, with the typical vertical striping of Hickories

Slightly more mature bark