Sweet Pignut (Carya ovalis)

Family: Juglandaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Carya ovalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) 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, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet with a thin shell. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Small but sweet with a thin shell.; The seed ripens in late autumn and, when stored in its shell in a cool place, will keep for at least 6 months.; Tapped in the spring, it has a sweet flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woodlands and on hillsides. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)