Mockernut Hickory
Carya tomentosa
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © jdbarnettgums (iNaturalist #96971370)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Juglandaceae
- Genus:
- Carya
- Species:
- Carya tomentosa
- USDA Symbol:
- CATO6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Walnut Sphinx (Amorpha juglandis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Acronicta impleta, Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris), Coptodisca lucifluella, Ectoedemia virgulae, pecan leafminer (Cameraria caryaefoliella), Stigmella caryaefoliella, Yellownecked caterpillar (Datana integerrima)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow, gold
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers upland areas with deep soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-120 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold stratified for 90 to 150 days
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)