Black hickory
Carya buckleyifam. Juglandaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 09E0 — Carya buckleyi
Carya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyiCarya buckleyi
IOverview
Overview
Black hickory (Carya buckleyi) is a deciduous tree native to the central and southern United States, found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in full sun with moist soil, adapting to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) conditions. It grows up to 10 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. One distinctive feature of the black hickory is its value as an ornamental tree due to its attractive form and edible nuts.
Quick answers
What is Black hickory?
Black hickory (Carya buckleyi) is a deciduous tree native to the central and southern United States, found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black hickory thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to a height of about 10 meters. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the tree has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Black hickory for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Black hickory tree for a rewarding long-term project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Black hickory sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the site has well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering until established. Prune only if necessary to remove dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain the tree's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, and neglecting proper pruning are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The black hickory tree (Carya buckleyi) produces edible seeds that can be eaten raw or roasted. The nuts are also commonly used in cooking and can be ground into a flour for baking. Skip the shelling process by roasting the seeds to make them easier to remove.
Other uses:Fire starterLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 9 native
Broader regions
native:Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Juglandaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Juglandaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 09e0e394-4589-4b60-b75a-7dbb778ed2da
Decision aid
Choosing between Black hickory and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.