Mockernut Hickory
(Carya tomentosa Nutt.)

Mockernut hickory is sometimes referred to as white, whitcheart or big-bud
hickory. it is common on well-drained soils throughout the state. The tree
occasionally reaches 100 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter, but it averages 50
to 70 feet tall and I to 2 feet in diameter.
Mockernut hickory leaves are 8 to 12 inches long with seven to nine (rarely five)
thin, sharp-pointed, finely toothed leaflets that are dark green above and a hairy
orange-brown below. The nut is roundish to oval, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, with a
thick reddish-brown husk that splits almost to the base of the nut when ripe. The
meat of the nut is sweet and is enclosed in a very thick shell.
The bark is dark gray to black, hard, closely and deeply furrowed, often
appearing cross-furrowed or netted. The winter buds are large, 1/2 to 3/4 inch
long, spherical or broadly egg-shaped and covered with downy, hard scales.
New shoots are short, stout and more or less covered with a downy growth.
The wood is heavy, hard, tough and strong; it is white except for its
comparatively small, dark brown heart -- hence the name white hickory.
Mockernut hickory is used for tool handles and In sporting goods. This and the
other hickories are very desirable as both forest and shade trees.