Plant Native: bitternut hickory

Bitternut Hickory, Carya cordiformis Height: 50-70’ Spread: 40-50’ Sun: Full sun to Part shade Water: adaptable; tolerates dry soils

Bitternut hickory is native to eastern Nebraska and commonly found in oak woodland bluffs along the Missouri River, extending west to Lancaster County and north to Thurston, CO. It is commonly found in low, wet areas, but can also grow in dry upland sites. It is a durable, long-lived shade tree, with an oval to rounded crown. The compound leaves look similar to an ash, but are more lance-shaped with a long-pointed tip, and turn a beautiful, bright yellow in fall. The bark remains smooth for many years, eventually forming tight narrow ridges. This hickory is relatively fast-growing, eventually forming small nuts to around 1” in diameter. The kernels are too bitter for human consumption but great for wildlife. This outstanding native tree may be difficult to locate from nurseries, but it deserves to be planted more.

Native plant recommendations from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, plantnebraska.org