water hickory

plant

Also known as: Carya aquatica

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The water hickory (Carya aquatica) is a type of hickory tree native to the southern United States. It is characterized by having numerous narrow leaflets and nuts that are rather bitter.1

Hickories belong to the genus Carya and are part of the walnut family (Juglandaceae). There are about 18 species, with most native to North America. These deciduous trees typically reach heights of around 30 meters (100 feet) and have compound leaves with 3 to 17 leaflets. The fruit is an egg-shaped drupe with a husk that splits into four woody valves.2

While some hickory species, like the pecan and shagbark hickory, produce edible nuts, the water hickory and bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) have bitter, inedible nuts due to tannin in the kernel's skin. The wood of various hickory species is used for fuel, tool handles, furniture, and flooring.2

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hickory
Major species
cordiformis) and the water hickory (C. aquatica) are bitter-tasting and inedible, because the skin covering the kernels contains tannin. The nuts of most other species are edible but are too small to be commercially important.
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cordiformis) and the water hickory (C. aquatica) are bitter-tasting and inedible, because the skin covering the kernels contains tannin. The nuts of most other species are edible but are too small to be commercially important.
Read More