Scrub Hickory
Carya floridana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Scrub Hickory (Carya floridana) is a perennial tree native to FL. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Scrub Hickory (Carya floridana) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–600" H × 144"–300" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
FL
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Scrub hickory is a medium-sized native tree that grows 20-50 feet tall with an open, irregular canopy. This drought-tolerant species thrives in sandy soils and requires minimal watering once established. It produces edible nuts and attractive fall foliage before dropping its leaves in winter.
Growing Scrub Hickory
Grow Scrub Hickory in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 144 to 300 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scrub Hickory is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Irregular growth habit may appear unkempt
- Leaf and nut drop creates seasonal mess
- Slower establishment compared to conventional landscape trees
Wildlife value
The tree supports various wildlife species by providing nuts for squirrels, birds, and other small mammals. Its foliage hosts several butterfly and moth caterpillars while the flowers attract small pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scrub Hickory need?
- Scrub Hickory grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Scrub Hickory native?
- Scrub Hickory (Carya floridana) is native to FL, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Scrub Hickory HOA-friendly?
- Scrub Hickory is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Scrub 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