Pignut Hickory
Carya glabra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–900" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pignut hickory is a large native shade tree that develops a distinctive oval crown and attractive bark texture with age. This long-lived deciduous tree produces small inconspicuous flowers in spring followed by nuts that drop in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pignut Hickory is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone, backyard only.
- Nut drop in fall requires cleanup
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, luna moth, hickory tussock moth.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The nuts provide important food for squirrels, chipmunks, and many bird species.
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.
Does Pignut Hickory fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.