Cool Facts
19 Amazing Species. The hickory genus, called Carya, includes 19 different types of hickory trees found mainly in North America and Asia. Each one is a bit different, but they all share that strong, dense wood.
Tasty Hickory Nuts. Many hickory trees produce delicious nuts inside hard shells that you can crack open and eat. These nuts are packed with nutrition and taste a bit like pecans, which are actually a type of hickory!
Incredibly Strong Wood. Hickory wood is one of the hardest and most shock-resistant woods in the world. This makes it perfect for tool handles, baseball bats, and furniture that needs to last a really long time.
Excellent Firewood. Hickory burns hot and slow, making it fantastic for firewood and smoking meats. People have been using hickory for thousands of years to heat their homes and cook their food.
Deep Roots and Strength. Hickory trees develop deep root systems that help them survive droughts and strong winds. This toughness is one reason they live for a very long time, sometimes for over 300 years.