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Water hickory is also called bitter pecan or swamp hickory. Its
scientific name comes from the Greek words carya (walnut)
and aquatica (growing in water). It is best known for
its use in smoking meats, such as ham and bacon, whose rich,
hickory-smoked flavor are a southern tradition. Water hickory trees regenerate aggressively in swamps and wetlands. The trees are also grown as shade trees, or for fuelwood. The timber is of little value, since the wood tends to be of inferior quality and dimensionally unstable. This tree may easily be confused with pecan hickory, but the fruits are distinctly flattened, unlike the more rounded, pecan nuts. Several wildlife species consume the fruits of water hickory trees, including wild hogs, wood ducks and squirrels, who depend heavily on the nuts in their diets. The trees also provide refuge for numerous smaller animals and birds. |
 Twigs and leaves |
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While water hickory is not particularly susceptible to insects, or disease, mistletoe infestations may cause problems and damage from sapsucker holes may weaken the tree and increase vulnerability. Water hickory is found along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains from Virginia to Florida and west into Texas. It also grows in the Mississippi valley as far north as southern Illinois. |
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