Where does Water Hickory naturally grow?

Water Hickory is native to Tennessee and other southeastern states, typically found in swamps, floodplains, and along streams and rivers.

When does Carya aquatica bloom?

Water Hickory blooms in April and May, producing inconspicuous flowers before the leaves fully emerge.

What growing conditions does Water Hickory prefer?

This species tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist to wet soils, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects.

Is Water Hickory toxic to livestock?

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

Is Water Hickory HOA-friendly?

Water Hickory takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Water Hickory

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carya aquatica

Last reviewed: June 2026

Water Hickory is a deciduous wetland tree native to Tennessee and southeastern states that blooms in April and May. This flood-tolerant species thrives in swamps and along waterways.

Water Hickory (Carya aquatica) — Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Water Hickory as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Water hickory is a large native tree that naturally grows in wetlands and floodplains. It produces distinctive compound leaves and small nuts, thriving in consistently moist to wet soils where other trees struggle.

Growing Water Hickory

Grow Water Hickory in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Hickory takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely large mature size unsuitable for most residential lots
Requires consistently wet conditions that may cause drainage concerns
Drops nuts and debris that require regular cleanup

Wildlife value

This tree supports over 200 species of moths and butterflies as a host plant, while its nuts provide food for squirrels, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

Common questions

Where does Water Hickory naturally grow?: Water Hickory is native to Tennessee and other southeastern states, typically found in swamps, floodplains, and along streams and rivers.
When does Carya aquatica bloom?: Water Hickory blooms in April and May, producing inconspicuous flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
What growing conditions does Water Hickory prefer?: This species tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist to wet soils, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects.
Is Water Hickory toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Hickory as toxic to livestock.
Is Water Hickory HOA-friendly?: Water Hickory takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Water Hickory? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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