Carya ovata

Witte bitternoot / Shellbark hickory

Juglandaceae (Okkernootfamilie)

Edible plant part (2)

Nuts, sap
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Shellbark hickory belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a late species. The growth rate is slow. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 15 to 35 meter and a width of 10 to 25 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Shellbark hickory is decidious. It buds in may.
This species forms a taproot deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Shellbark hickory is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Dan Mullen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/3961305922

foto: Dan Mullen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/3961305922

foto: Plant Image Library, https://www.flickr.com/photos/138014579@N08/27074521022

foto: KATHERINE WAGNER-REISS, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carya_ovata%E2%80%94compound_leaf_and_fruit.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early may, mid may, end of may
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: wind
Plant reproductive fertility: partially self-fertile, self sterile, varies per cultivar

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

yet unknown

Harvest and Consumption

Nuts

Sap

Harvest location edible part: Ground layer
Harvesting period - start: Early october, mid october, end of october
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Year
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 12
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 30

Form of consumption: Fresh
Natural storability: Year
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 12

Culinary appreciation

Exceptionally high value, a delicious nut, sweeter than a pecan.

References