Kingnut
Carya laciniosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Carya laciniosa (Kingnut) is a native deciduous tree found in Alabama and other southeastern states. It blooms in April and May, attracting bees and beetles as pollinators.
Kingnut (Carya laciniosa) 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 Kingnut as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–900" H × 400"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, GA and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Kingnut is a large native hickory tree that produces edible nuts and develops a broad, rounded canopy. This stately shade tree grows 50-75 feet tall and wide, making it suitable only for spacious landscapes. It provides excellent fall color with golden-yellow foliage.
Growing Kingnut
Grow Kingnut in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 400 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Kingnut is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size unsuitable for most residential lots
- Heavy nut drop creates maintenance issues
- Slow growth rate may not provide immediate landscape impact
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the large nuts feed squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species. The dense canopy provides nesting sites and shelter for many wildlife species.
Common questions
- What growing conditions does Carya laciniosa prefer?
- Kingnut thrives in full sun to partial sun locations with medium to high moisture levels. It naturally grows in bottomlands and flood plains where soil moisture is consistently available.
- When does Carya laciniosa bloom and what pollinates it?
- Kingnut produces flowers in April and May. The small, inconspicuous flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and beetles that visit during the spring blooming period.
- Where is Carya laciniosa naturally found?
- Kingnut is native to Alabama and extends throughout much of the eastern United States. It typically grows in rich, moist soils of river bottoms and lowland areas.
- Is Kingnut toxic to dogs?
- Kingnut is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Kingnut toxic to cats?
- Kingnut is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Kingnut toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Kingnut as toxic to livestock.
- Is Kingnut HOA-friendly?
- Kingnut is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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 Kingnut? 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