Big-bud Hickory
Carya tomentosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carya tomentosa (Big-bud Hickory) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central United States, blooming in May and June. This hardy hickory tolerates various soil conditions and provides excellent wildlife habitat.
Big-bud Hickory (Carya tomentosa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Big-bud Hickory as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–840" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mockernut hickory is a large native deciduous tree with compound leaves that turn golden yellow in fall. It produces edible nuts and has deeply furrowed bark that adds winter interest. This slow-growing tree develops a broad, rounded crown at maturity.
Growing Big-bud Hickory
Grow Big-bud Hickory in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 840 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big-bud Hickory is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Drops nuts and leaves seasonally
- Very large mature size requires adequate space
Wildlife value
The nuts provide food for squirrels, chipmunks, and many bird species including woodpeckers and nuthatches. The leaves support over 200 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars, making it valuable for birds feeding young.
Common questions
- Where is Carya tomentosa naturally found?
- Big-bud Hickory is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.
- When does Big-bud Hickory bloom?
- Carya tomentosa produces flowers during May and June.
- What growing conditions does Big-bud Hickory prefer?
- This hickory grows best in full sun to partial sun and adapts to a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- How can you identify Big-bud Hickory?
- Big-bud Hickory is distinguished by its large, prominent winter buds and compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets that turn yellow in fall.
- Is Big-bud Hickory toxic to dogs?
- Big-bud Hickory is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Big-bud Hickory toxic to cats?
- Big-bud Hickory is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Big-bud Hickory toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Big-bud Hickory as toxic to livestock.
- Is Big-bud Hickory HOA-friendly?
- Big-bud Hickory is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Big-bud Hickory? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz