Saturday, November 13, 2010

Carya glabra, Pignut Hickory: more fall color at the National Arboretum

Somehow I missed this tree a couple of years ago when I informally cataloged specimen trees at the Arboretum. Not only is this one a beautiful tree, it lives just across the road from the Metasequoia triangle so it's easily appreciated.

I don't know why it's called "pignut" but suspect it may have something to do with the abundant lipid rich nuts it produces. Back in the day, pigs were allowed to run free (and feed themselves) and I bet they ate the heck out of these nuts; most other wildlife does.

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