Hickory

Description

Hickory (Carya spp./Juglandaceae) is composed of at least 16 species native to Asia (4), Central America (4) and North America (11). The European species became extinct during the Ice Age. The word carya is from the Greek name for nut. With a large enough sample, this genus can be split into the True Hickory Group and the Pecan Group based on microanatomy. See Taras, M.A. and B.F. Kukachka, 1970, Forest Products Journal 20(4): 58-59. American Hickories are native from the Eastern to Midwestern United States. Hickory trees can reach a height of 140 ft (43 m), with a diameter of 4 ft (1.2 m).

Hickory has off-white sapwood and reddish brown heartwood. It is rated very high in both strength and shock resistance, but is difficult to dry. It is good in most working properties except in its ability to be shaped and hold nails, but is difficult to glue. It is generally not resistant to heartwood decay and is difficult to penetrate with preservatives. It is used for cabinetry, charcoal, dowels, flooring, fuel wood, furniture, ladder rungs, plywood, sporting goods, tool handles, and veneer.