Carya glabra
Pignut Hickory

Mature Height: 60-150'     Longevity: 400 years

 Carya glabra leaf. Carya glabra character art.
   

1-6 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
1: All references identify in dry areas. Only drought listing found is "High". Literature suggests species is specialist on drier areas.

6: While found in moist woods nothing indicates that species is common in hydric (wet) areas.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) Solid Z8, w/ significant intrusion into Z9 in FL. Z9 better suited.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Same as NAS. (SOUTH) Same as NAS, except small community also identified in Z9 of TX.


   

3   Sun Strength

6   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
2.5 = Slow
-.4 = Climax Specialist
+.1 = 2 Major, 1 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 80'
+.1 = 150'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
5 = Intermediate
+.7 = Climax Specialist
+.1 = 2 Major, 1 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 80'
+.1 = 400 yrs

TOTAL SCORE (2.6): Slow growing hickory that is found on a limited range of soil types and is not an effective pioneer.

TOTAL SCORE (6.2): Most shade tolerances listed as intermediate but range of tolerances noted. Occurrence in climax communities & longevity seem appropriate for above average shade strength. Ability to climax despite only a 6 likely due to demanding environment in which tree is commonly found.


   

3   Fire Strength

5   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: low-moderate (Big Tree) = 3-4
Bark is relatively thin but offers some protection from fire for older trees. Longevity of species indication that tree once established can survive periodic fires. Deep roots not easily damaged by fire. However, tree is reported readily damaged by fire & fire provides opportunity for disease & pests. Hickories generally susceptible to fire, will assign low rating.
Final Value = 3

DEFENSE
Base Score: High (Big Tree)= 4-5
Multiple sources identify tree as being very resistant to wind damage & windfirm. Root nature and wood strength also indicate a tree that is very resistant to wind damage. Tree also commonly found on ridgetops & uplands that are frequently exposed to strong windgusts.
Final Value = 5