Water Hickory, Bitter Pecan, Swamp Hickory

Very similar to the Pecan (carya illinoenis) The Water Hickory tree can be mistaken for it.

The main difference for the ca...Read Moresual observer to find is that the Water Hickory has smooth leaves above and below, while the Pecan has fuzzy or hairy leaves. Buds are yellow/hairy for the Pecan and brown for the Water Hickory.

Bark is shreddy, but not shaggy like the Shagbark or Shellbark Hickories.

A very large tree...it can top 100'. Favors the wet lowlands and river bottoms. It is mainly a Southern tree, but is seen as far north as Southern Illinois along the Mississippi River.

The nuts are essential to wildlife for winter survival, as they form the 'mast' that falls on the forest floor, along with other nut bearing trees. Deer and small animals use them for winter food