// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Bitternut hickory

Carya cordiformis

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Blooms Apr–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 36 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: —
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Apr–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) — *Carya cordiformis* — Bitternut hickory. Photo by No machine-readable author provided. MPF assumed (based on copyright claims). via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Blooms Apr–Apr.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, bitternut hickory pairs naturally with: Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Black Willow (Salix nigra), Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea).