Bitternut
Carya cordiformis
Last reviewed: July 2026
Carya cordiformis (Bitternut) is a native deciduous tree found across eastern and central North America. It blooms in May and June and supports pollinators including bees and beetles.
Bitternut (Carya cordiformis) 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 Bitternut as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–900" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bitternut is a large native hickory tree that develops a distinctive oval crown and attractive yellow-bronze fall color. This long-lived shade tree produces small nuts that are bitter to humans but valued by wildlife.
Growing Bitternut
Grow Bitternut in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 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
Bitternut is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Drops nuts and small branches seasonally
- Very large mature size may not suit smaller properties
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth, banded peacock moth, walnut sphinx moth.
The flowers attract bees and beetles in late spring, while the nuts feed squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species. The large canopy provides nesting sites and shelter for many wildlife species.
Common questions
- Where does Bitternut naturally grow?
- Bitternut is native to a large portion of eastern and central North America, ranging from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas.
- When does Carya cordiformis bloom?
- Bitternut blooms during May and June, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Bitternut trees?
- Bees and beetles are among the primary pollinators that visit Bitternut flowers during the blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Bitternut prefer?
- Bitternut grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun conditions. It adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it quite versatile in different landscape settings.
- Is Bitternut toxic to dogs?
- Bitternut is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bitternut toxic to cats?
- Bitternut is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Bitternut toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bitternut as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bitternut HOA-friendly?
- Bitternut 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 Bitternut? 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