Mockernut hickory is a large, broadly rounded tree at maturity. Like all hickories, it is tap-rooted and thus difficult to transplant. This Illinois native tolerates dry sites fairly well and produces good golden-yellow fall color. It may be difficult to find in nurseries.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Walnut
- Family (botanic) Juglandaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 50-60 feet
- Mature width 20-30 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
- Other tolerances Dry sites
- Season of interest mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Oval
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well No
- Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
- Wildlife Cavity-nesting birds, Game birds, Migrant birds, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Has cultivars No
