{"id":538,"date":"2026-10-07T10:09:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=538"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:09:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:09:35","slug":"mockernut-hickory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/mockernut-hickory\/","title":{"rendered":"Mockernut Hickory"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Carya<\/span> tomentosa<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Mockernut Hickory is a large native hardwood tree known for its strong wood, tough nuts, and exceptional durability.<\/span> Common<\/span> throughout<\/span> the<\/span> forests<\/span> of<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> and<\/span> the<\/span> eastern<\/span> United<\/span> States,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> characteristic<\/span> species<\/span> of<\/span> upland<\/span> hardwood<\/span> forests<\/span> and<\/span> is<\/span> often<\/span> found<\/span> on<\/span> ridges,<\/span> slopes,<\/span> and<\/span> well-drained<\/span> sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Named for its thick-shelled nuts, which contain relatively small kernels compared to other hickories,<\/span> Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> wildlife<\/span> benefits,<\/span> high-quality<\/span> wood,<\/span> and<\/span> contribution<\/span> to<\/span> forest<\/span> diversity.<\/span> Mature<\/span> trees<\/span> develop<\/span> broad<\/span> crowns<\/span> and<\/span> rugged<\/span> bark<\/span> that<\/span> make<\/span> them<\/span> distinctive<\/span> features<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Alternate<\/span> leaf<\/span> arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Compound<\/span> leaves<\/span> with<\/span> 5<\/span> to<\/span> 9<\/span> leaflets<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Typically<\/span> 7<\/span> leaflets<\/span> per<\/span> leaf<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dark<\/span> green<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Yellow<\/span> to<\/span> golden-brown<\/span> fall<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Leaf<\/span> undersides<\/span> often<\/span> covered<\/span> with<\/span> fine<\/span> hairs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Gray<\/span> to<\/span> gray-brown<\/span> bark<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Develops<\/span> interlacing<\/span> ridges<\/span> and<\/span> furrows<\/span><\/li>\n
    • More<\/span> tightly<\/span> ridged<\/span> than<\/span> Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Mature<\/span> bark<\/span> does<\/span> not<\/span> peel<\/span> into<\/span> long<\/span> strips<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Flowers<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Produces<\/span> male<\/span> and<\/span> female<\/span> flowers<\/span> in<\/span> spring<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Male<\/span> flowers<\/span> occur<\/span> as<\/span> drooping<\/span> catkins<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Female<\/span> flowers<\/span> appear<\/span> in<\/span> small<\/span> clusters<\/span> near<\/span> branch<\/span> tips<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Wind-pollinated<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Round<\/span> to<\/span> oval<\/span> nuts<\/span> enclosed<\/span> in<\/span> thick<\/span> husks<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Husks<\/span> split<\/span> open<\/span> when<\/span> mature<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Nuts<\/span> ripen<\/span> in<\/span> autumn<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Kernels<\/span> are<\/span> edible<\/span> but<\/span> difficult<\/span> to<\/span> extract<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 50<\/span> to<\/span> 80<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Can<\/span> exceed<\/span> 100<\/span> feet<\/span> under<\/span> favorable<\/span> conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 30<\/span> to<\/span> 50<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> eastern<\/span> North<\/span> America<\/span> and<\/span> occurs<\/span> throughout<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia.<\/span> It<\/span> is<\/span> commonly<\/span> found<\/span> in<\/span> upland<\/span> hardwood<\/span> forests,<\/span> dry<\/span> slopes,<\/span> ridges,<\/span> and<\/span> well-drained<\/span> woodland<\/span> sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

            The<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> particularly<\/span> well<\/span> adapted<\/span> to<\/span> upland<\/span> environments<\/span> and<\/span> often<\/span> grows<\/span> alongside<\/span> White<\/span> Oak,<\/span> Black<\/span> Oak,<\/span> Scarlet<\/span> Oak,<\/span> and<\/span> other<\/span> hickories<\/span> in<\/span> mature<\/span> Appalachian<\/span> forests.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> an<\/span> important<\/span> wildlife<\/span> tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> nuts<\/span> provide<\/span> food<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Squirrels<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Chipmunks<\/span><\/li>\n
            • White-tailed<\/span> deer<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Black<\/span> bears<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Wild<\/span> turkeys<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Various<\/span> songbirds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              The tree<\/span> also<\/span> supports<\/span> numerous<\/span> native<\/span> insects<\/span> and<\/span> provides<\/span> nesting<\/span> and<\/span> shelter<\/span> opportunities<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife.<\/span> Because<\/span> hickory<\/span> nuts<\/span> are<\/span> rich<\/span> in<\/span> fats<\/span> and<\/span> nutrients,<\/span> they<\/span> are<\/span> an<\/span> important<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> many<\/span> species<\/span> preparing<\/span> for<\/span> winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

              Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> produces<\/span> some<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> strongest<\/span> and<\/span> toughest<\/span> wood<\/span> of<\/span> any<\/span> North<\/span> American<\/span> hardwood.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The<\/span> wood<\/span> has<\/span> been<\/span> used<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Tool<\/span> handles<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Ladder<\/span> rungs<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Sporting<\/span> equipment<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Flooring<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Agricultural<\/span> implements<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Firewood<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Like<\/span> other<\/span> hickories,<\/span> the<\/span> wood<\/span> is<\/span> highly<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> smoking<\/span> meats<\/span> because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> distinctive<\/span> aroma<\/span> and<\/span> long-burning<\/span> qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Although<\/span> the<\/span> nuts<\/span> are<\/span> edible,<\/span> their<\/span> thick<\/span> shells<\/span> and<\/span> relatively<\/span> small<\/span> kernels<\/span> make<\/span> them<\/span> less<\/span> desirable<\/span> for<\/span> human<\/span> consumption<\/span> than<\/span> those<\/span> of<\/span> some<\/span> other<\/span> hickory<\/span> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Mockernut Hickory contributes to the diversity of<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum<\/span> by<\/span> representing<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia’s<\/span> characteristic<\/span> upland<\/span> forest<\/span> trees.<\/span> Its<\/span> compound<\/span> leaves,<\/span> hard-shelled<\/span> nuts,<\/span> and<\/span> rugged<\/span> bark<\/span> provide<\/span> opportunities<\/span> for<\/span> visitors<\/span> to<\/span> compare<\/span> it<\/span> with<\/span> related<\/span> species<\/span> such<\/span> as<\/span> Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> and<\/span> Pecan.<\/span><\/p>\n

                As<\/span> a<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> native<\/span> species,<\/span> Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span> helps<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> ecological<\/span> richness<\/span> of<\/span> Appalachian<\/span> hardwood<\/span> forests<\/span> while<\/span> providing<\/span> wildlife<\/span> habitat,<\/span> shade,<\/span> and<\/span> educational<\/span> value<\/span> throughout<\/span> the<\/span> campus<\/span> landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Mockernut<\/span> Hickory<\/span>
                \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Carya<\/span> tomentosa<\/span><\/em>
                \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Juglandaceae<\/span>
                \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> Native<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 50-80<\/span> feet<\/span> (occasionally<\/span> 100+<\/span> feet)<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 30-50<\/span> feet<\/span>
                \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Slow<\/span> to<\/span> Moderate<\/span>
                \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span>
                \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Well-drained<\/span> soils;<\/span> tolerant<\/span> of<\/span> dry<\/span> upland<\/span> sites<\/span>
                \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 4-9<\/span>
                \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> April<\/span> to<\/span> May<\/span>
                \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Thick-shelled<\/span> nuts<\/span> that<\/span> ripen<\/span> in<\/span> autumn<\/span>
                \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Important<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals;<\/span> supports<\/span> native<\/span> insects<\/span>
                \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Tough<\/span> wood,<\/span> compound<\/span> leaves,<\/span> nutrient-rich<\/span> nuts,<\/span> and<\/span> adaptability<\/span> to<\/span> upland<\/span> forests<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Carya tomentosa Overview The Mockernut Hickory is a large native hardwood tree known for its strong wood, tough nuts, and exceptional durability. Common throughout the forests of West Virginia and the eastern United States, it is a characteristic species of upland hardwood forests and is often found on ridges, slopes, and well-drained sites. Named for<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-538","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=538"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":539,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/538\/revisions\/539"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}