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Oil Nut

Pyrularia pubera
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 →
edibleshrubsedibleedible fruitnative amperennialshrub
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Pyrularia pubera (Oil Nut) — botanical photograph
Pl. DD81 — Pyrularia pubera
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Overview

The Oil Nut (Pyrularia pubera) is a shrub native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade, this plant can grow up to 3.5 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Known for its edible fruit, the Oil Nut is both ornamental and useful as a food source. Its adaptability to hardiness zones 4-8 makes it a versatile addition to gardens in these regions. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, the edible fruit offers a potential source of nutrition in its native habitat.

Quick answers

What is Oil Nut?

The Oil Nut (Pyrularia pubera) is a shrub native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade, this plant can grow up to 3.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Oil Nut thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions like its native range across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and the plant can reach a height of 3.5 meters as a shrub.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Oil Nut for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Oil Nut in a beginner-friendly environment to ensure success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Oil Nut plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, either sandy, medium, or clay.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young Oil Nut plants directly into the garden or in a large container.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly to maintain shape if needed.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a healthy shape.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, and neglecting regular pruning are common pitfalls.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 10 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Pyrularia pubera (Oil Nut) — botanical photograph
Oil Nut (Pyrularia pubera)
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
Native to
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