Pignut Hickory
Carya glabra
Last reviewed: July 2026
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) is a native deciduous tree found throughout the eastern United States, blooming in April and May. This hardy species supports bees and beetles while tolerating various soil conditions.
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) 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 Pignut Hickory as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Pignut Hickory
Grow Pignut Hickory in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
- 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.
Common questions
- Where does Pignut Hickory naturally grow?
- Pignut Hickory is native to much of the eastern United States, from Maine south to northern Florida and west to eastern Kansas and eastern Texas.
- When does Pignut Hickory bloom?
- Pignut Hickory produces flowers in April and May, with male catkins appearing before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Pignut Hickory?
- Pignut Hickory flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate the inconspicuous greenish flowers.
- What growing conditions does Pignut Hickory prefer?
- Pignut Hickory grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate drier conditions once established.
- Is Pignut Hickory toxic to dogs?
- Pignut Hickory is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Pignut Hickory toxic to cats?
- Pignut Hickory is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Pignut Hickory toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pignut Hickory as toxic to livestock.
- Is Pignut Hickory HOA-friendly?
- Pignut Hickory 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 Pignut 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