Black Hickory
Carya texanafam. Juglandaceae
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Pl. 4ABB — Carya texana
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IOverview
Overview
Black Hickory, scientifically known as Carya texana, is a deciduous tree native to the central and southern United States, including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and prefers full sun. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and is known for its edible seeds, which are used in various culinary applications. The Black Hickory is a valuable ornamental and food source in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Black Hickory?
Black Hickory, scientifically known as Carya texana, is a deciduous tree native to the central and southern United States, including 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 can grow up to 15 meters tall. 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
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Hickory for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a Black Hickory sapling for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Black Hickory tree, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees directly into the ground, ensuring roots are spread out in the planting hole.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry periods; prune only dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain tree shape and remove any dead wood.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting proper pruning, using the wrong soil type, and not providing enough space for root growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The black hickory tree's seeds are edible and can be eaten raw or roasted. They are also used in making hickory smoke for flavoring meats. Skip the outer shell to access the nut meat inside.
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
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