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Bitternut Hickory

Carya cordiformis, Juglandaceae

Zones
4–9
Layer
Canopy
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

ProducerDynamic AccumulatorShade Provider

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Southern MilkvetchAstragalus hamosus
Nitrogen Fixation

Antagonistic Plants

Powderblue Rabbiteye BlueberryVaccinium ashei

Hickory allelopathic compounds can inhibit blueberry growth, and both compete for similar soil resources.

Caucasian SweetvetchHedysarum caucasicum

Bitternut hickory produces compounds that inhibit sweetvetch establishment and growth

Uses

Functions

Nut ProductionTimberWildlife Habitat

Edible Parts

Nuts

Common Questions

What zones does Bitternut Hickory grow in?

Bitternut Hickory grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

What are good companion plants for Bitternut Hickory?

Good companions for Bitternut Hickory include Southern Milkvetch.

Design guilds with Bitternut Hickory and see companion relationships visually.

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