Water Hickory (Carya aquatica)

Family: Juglandaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Carya aquatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from June to October, in flower from April to May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. Astringent. The seed is up to 35mm long, it is produced in clusters of 3 - 4 and has a thin shell, but the kernel is very bitter. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed is up to 35mm long, it is produced in clusters of 3 - 4 and has a thin shell, but the kernel is very bitter.; The seed ripens in late autumn and, when stored in its shell in a cool place, will keep for at least 6 months.

Habitat & North American Range

Bottomlands and swamps, in ground that is often inundated for at least part of the year. The best specimens grow on deep well-drained alluvial soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)