How much sun does Nutmeg Hickory need?

Nutmeg Hickory grows best in full sun conditions.

Where is Nutmeg Hickory native?

Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis) is native to AL, AR, LA, MS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Nutmeg Hickory toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nutmeg Hickory as toxic to livestock.

Is Nutmeg Hickory HOA-friendly?

Nutmeg Hickory is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Nutmeg Hickory

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carya myristiciformis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. 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 Nutmeg Hickory as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

600"–900" H × 300"–600" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, LA, MS and 4 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Nutmeg hickory is a large native shade tree that can reach 50-75 feet tall with a broad, rounded canopy. This long-lived deciduous tree produces edible nuts and develops attractive fall color, making it valuable for larger landscapes where space allows.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nutmeg Hickory is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.

Extremely large mature size limits placement options
Nut drop can create maintenance issues

Wildlife value

The nuts provide important food for squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species. The large canopy offers nesting sites and shelter for many wildlife species.

Common questions

How much sun does Nutmeg Hickory need?: Nutmeg Hickory grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Nutmeg Hickory native?: Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis) is native to AL, AR, LA, MS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Nutmeg Hickory toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nutmeg Hickory as toxic to livestock.
Is Nutmeg Hickory HOA-friendly?: Nutmeg Hickory is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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