Quick answer: Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: AnRo0002, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Rich soils, high calcium carbonate tolerance, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr |
| Height | Up to 150 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Primary host for luna/funeral dagger/giant regal moths, attracts birds/butterflies |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Bitternut hickory
Where is Bitternut hickory native?
Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bitternut hickory bloom?
Bitternut hickory blooms Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bitternut hickory need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Rich soils, high calcium carbonate tolerance, circumneutral pH. Mature height: Up to 150 ft tall.
Is Bitternut hickory good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Primary host for luna/funeral dagger/giant regal moths, attracts birds/butterflies.
Is Bitternut hickory deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Bitternut hickory is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Bitternut hickory?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Carya cordiformis by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bitternut hickory.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
Also listed under
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