What kind of tree is this? - Ask Extension
I have many of these trees in my backyard. Can someone please help me identify it?
Knowledgebase
What kind of tree is this? #885502
Asked September 16, 2024, 7:57 PM EDT
I have many of these trees in my backyard. Can someone please help me identify it?
Dauphin County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. This appears to be a species of hickory. Please read the following information, I hope you find it interesting.
Jeanne
Shellbark, mockernut, pignut, bitternut, pecan, and shagbark hickory are all native to Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Hickory trees provide good habitat and a source of food for wildlife. Here is more information on some of the different hickories you'll find in this state:
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is, as its name suggests, a tree with shaggy bark that peels away in big pieces. Its mature height is 60–80 feet tall, with a 30–50 feet width. Leaves are eight to 14 inches long, featuring five to seven leaflets. The round nut has a four-sectioned husk.
The Bitternut is a large tree (50-70') that can live up to 200 years. The hard wood is used in the furniture industry and it produces non-edible nuts. The hickory drops debris from its fruit from the late summer throughout autumn making fall cleanup in urban areas more challenging.
Pignut hickory typically grows to 60 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide at the crown. This tree prefers these conditions: Dry hillsides and ridges, sun to part shade.
Jeanne
Shellbark, mockernut, pignut, bitternut, pecan, and shagbark hickory are all native to Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Hickory trees provide good habitat and a source of food for wildlife. Here is more information on some of the different hickories you'll find in this state:
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is, as its name suggests, a tree with shaggy bark that peels away in big pieces. Its mature height is 60–80 feet tall, with a 30–50 feet width. Leaves are eight to 14 inches long, featuring five to seven leaflets. The round nut has a four-sectioned husk.
The Bitternut is a large tree (50-70') that can live up to 200 years. The hard wood is used in the furniture industry and it produces non-edible nuts. The hickory drops debris from its fruit from the late summer throughout autumn making fall cleanup in urban areas more challenging.
Pignut hickory typically grows to 60 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide at the crown. This tree prefers these conditions: Dry hillsides and ridges, sun to part shade.
