The Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa), also known as White Hickory, Hognut, or Bull Nut, is a long-lived and resilient tree belonging to the walnut family. It is easily recognized by its thick, reddish-brown husks, which encase edible nuts measuring 1.5 to 3.5 inches in length. The tree has a rounded crown, stout hairy twigs, and compound leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets that release a distinct orange-like scent when crushed.

Mockernut Hickories begin producing nuts as early as 10 years old, with peak production around 40 years, and can continue thriving for 250 to over 500 years. The nuts ripen in September through October, providing essential food for wildlife such as squirrels, deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and various birds.

Flowers bloom in spring and are monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. The thick husk of the nut gives the tree its name, as the meat inside is relatively small in comparison—hence a “mockery” of a full nut. The wood of the Mockernut Hickory is prized for its strength, flexibility, and density. It’s used in furniture, tool handles, lumber, pulpwood, and even charcoal, making it valuable both economically and ecologically. Native to the eastern and southern United States, the Mockernut Hickory is not just a hardy, beautiful tree, but a vital contributor to local ecosystems and a symbol of endurance in the American landscape.