The Bittenut Hickory, Carya
cordiformis, is also known as the Yellow-bud Hickory
tree. The yellow bud makes it difficult to mistake for
another species and combined with the alternate compound
leaves and relatively large nuts, it is very
distinctive. The nuts are reported to be bitter, as one
of the common names suggests.
The lighter colored shallow
cracks in the younger bark are roughly similar to those
of young Shagbark Hickory, but the mature bark of
Yellow-bud Hickory does not split so deeply. This
deciduous tree is found on moist, fertile soils in the
east and central U.S. and is intolerant of shade.
Bitternut Hickory trees are
known for their hard wood. The wood is used for pulpwood
and furniture. This deciduous species displays a leaf
color of medium green to dark green. The fall color is
often green to chartruese, but sometimes is a brilliant
golden-yellow in excellent seasons. It is a fast
growing, adaptable tree.
