5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Kingnut Tree
The Kingnut comes from the area around the Ohio River and is known southward along the Mississippi River to Central Arkansas under the common names large-fruited hickory, Shellbark Hickory, or Kingnut Hickory. Therefore, the Kingnut is also referred to as Hickory (Carya). If you’re looking for a very special tree for your garden, the Kingnut is a great choice. Its yellow autumn foliage adds accents to the garden! Also, due to its beautiful leaves and interesting bark, hickory is often planted as an ornamental tree. The characteristic peeling of the bark strips is typical of older trees.
However, there are 5 more reasons why this charismatic deciduous tree species is worth considering:
The hickory tree can grow very tall under good growing conditions and develops a narrow crown. This American nut tree species is therefore suitable for parks and green spaces. Due to its slow growth—expect only 10-20 cm of growth per year, even on good sites—we recommend Carya laciniosa for private gardens. The easy-to-crack nuts with a green fruit shell grow individually or in pairs on side branches. They resemble walnuts in appearance. However, they have a thick, hard shell and ripen by late October. Kingnuts have a sweet taste and guarantee a reliable, regular harvest. Since the edible kernels are difficult to remove from the shell, the Kingnut is less common in trade. The nut kernels are not only suitable for direct consumption but also for processing. The deciduous tree is attractive to many wildlife species. It serves as a host plant for many species of butterflies and moths. In America, the valuable, heavy wood is used to make tool handles and shafts. Due to its winter hardiness of -21 °C, this Carya species can be planted in areas of climate zone 6 without the risk of frost damage.
Site Requirements of the Kingnut Tree
This deciduous tree species prefers humus-rich, nutrient-rich, well-drained, and moist soils in full sun and partial shade. It grows best on neutral or slightly alkaline soils. Suitable locations also include river valleys that regularly flood in the spring. Long, warm summers are favorable for the ripening of the Kingnuts.
How to Care for a Kingnut Tree
Caring for a Kingnut in the garden is straightforward. A time-consuming task is raking the leaves in the autumn and collecting the fallen flowers in the spring. Gathering the ripe nuts is enjoyable. A regular water supply is important, especially for young trees. In the first two winters, protect the tree trunks with fleece. Pruning is not strictly necessary. However, it is beneficial to treat pruning cuts or broken branches with tree balm. Poor nutrient- and humus-deficient soils require additional fertilization to ensure the tree’s nourishment.
What to Consider When Buying a Kingnut Tree
Consider the site conditions in your garden. We supply high-quality nursery material. Inappropriate site conditions can result in slower development of the nut tree.
Impervious or heavy clay soils, as well as eastern wind locations, are less suitable as future planting sites. Pollination is improved when at least two trees are planted in a group. In the first two years of growth, the taproot develops. Only after that does the length growth increase. Due to the deep taproot, transplanting can be difficult. Therefore, choose the planting site carefully and consider the tree's future size.
Specialized Online Nursery for Rare Nut Species
The Nootsaeck is a nursery specializing in tree species from the hickory family. As a result, we offer a wide range of different species and cultivars that are rarely available elsewhere. We also have a broad selection of walnut trees. A rarity in Germany is the Carya laciniosa. We offer this tree species in various heights from 50 cm to 250 cm as container plants. Planting is possible almost all year round. A Kingnut in the garden is truly something special! Try it and look forward to a bountiful nut harvest.
Tip: Throughout the gardening season, you can visit our show garden by appointment to view the numerous tree species and varieties from our nursery range. For example, we also sell the pecan, another member of the Carya genus.
Our deciduous trees are characterized by their climate tolerance and wildlife friendliness. If you want to make a small contribution to a healthy environment, you should plant a Kingnut tree.
