Bitternut (Carya cordiformis, Dendrologie 1: 597 (1869))

Family: Juglandaceae

Author: (Wangenh.) K.Koch

Bibliography: Dendrologie 1: 597 (1869)

Year: 1869

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carya

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Bitternut, scientifically known as Carya cordiformis, is a remarkable species within the Juglandaceae family. This hardy tree has carved out its niche across Eastern Canada to Central and Eastern parts of the United States, showcasing its adaptability and ecological significance in these regions.

One of the distinctive features of the Bitternut is its nuts, which lend the tree its common name. Unlike the sweet and savory nuts produced by many other species within the Carya genus, the Bitternut’s nuts have a peculiar bitterness, making them less favorable for culinary uses but vital in the natural food web.

The tree itself is significant both ecologically and aesthetically. It plays a critical role in its native habitats, supporting diverse wildlife that depend on its nuts and foliage for sustenance. Moreover, it contributes to the forest’s canopy structure, providing shade and playing a part in the ecological balance.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Bitternut is valued for its tall, straight trunk and symmetrical crown, making it an attractive choice for timber. Its wood is utilized for various applications, including furniture and flooring, thanks to its strength and durability.

Further studying the Bitternut can provide insights into the broader ecosystems of North America and help in conservation efforts aimed at preserving native species and habitats. For in-depth botanical information, one might refer to sources such as “Dendrologie 1,” published in 1869, which extensively documents the attributes and significance of the Bitternut among other species.

Overall, the Bitternut stands as a prime example of nature’s intricate balance and the hidden treasures within the North American landscape, stretching from the lush forests of Eastern Canada to the diverse woodlands of the Central and Eastern United States.

Common Names

Deu: bitternuß, bittere hickorynuß
Pol: orzesznik gorzki
Eng: bitternut, bitternut hickory, noyer amer, pignut, pignut hickory, swamp hickory
Swe: bitternötshickory
Fra: caryer cordiforme, caryer amer, noix amères, noyer amer, noyer dur
En: Bitternut, Bitternut hickory, Noyer amer, Pignut, Pignut hickory, Swamp hickory
Fr: Caryer cordiforme, Caryer amer, Noix amères, Noyer amer, Noyer dur
De: Bitternuß, Bittere Hickorynuß
Pl: Orzesznik gorzki
Sv: Bitternötshickory

Synonyms

• Scoria minima ((Marshall) MacMill.)
• Hicorius cordiformis var. latifolia (Ashe)
• Hicorius cordiformis var. elongata (Ashe)
• Hicorius minima (Sarg.)
• Hicorius amara ((F.Michx.) Raf.)
• Carya pubescens (Sweet)
• Juglans mucronata (Michx.)
• Juglans alba var. minima ((Marshall) Castigl.)
• Hicorius cordiformis ((Wangenh.) Britton)
• Carya sulcata (Nutt.)
• Scoria mucronata ((Michx.) Raf.)
• Carya amara ((F.Michx.) Nutt. ex Elliott)
• Juglans compressa (Muhl.)
• Juglans amara (F.Michx.)
• Juglans alba minima (Marshall)
• Carya cordiformis var. latifolia (Sarg.)
• Carya cordiformis var. elongata (Ashe)
• Carya minima ((Marshall) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Germany (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Steffen Stolzmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by ludmila ludmila (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3054299)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30187393-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K.Koch)

Specifications

Growth