PIGNUT HICKORY Meaning and
Definition
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Pignut hickory is a deciduous tree native to Eastern North America and is scientifically known as Carya glabra. It belongs to the walnut family, Juglandaceae. The term "pignut" refers to the hard shell or husk enclosing the nut, which is inedible and resembles a pig's snout. It measures about 1 inch in diameter and has a thick and rough outer surface.
Pignut hickory is a medium to large-sized tree, typically growing between 60 to 80 feet tall, but can reach heights of up to 120 feet in optimal conditions. Its trunk is straight and has a grayish-brown bark that becomes fissured and ridged as the tree ages. The leaves are compound, alternate, and pinnately compound with five to seven leaflets. They are dark green in color and turn golden yellow in the fall, adding aesthetic value to landscapes.
The tree produces an edible nut, enclosed within the aforementioned pignut husk. The nut is small, round, and has a hard shell, making it difficult to crack. Despite this, the nut is highly valued by various wildlife species, including squirrels, birds, and other small mammals.
Pignut hickory prefers well-drained soils in upland forests and can often be found in mixed hardwood forests. It is known for its wood's strength and durability, making it useful in woodworking and the production of furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
Overall, pignut hickory is a notable tree species known for its distinct nut, ornamental foliage, and versatile wood applications.
Common Misspellings for PIGNUT HICKORY
- oignut hickory
- lignut hickory
- -ignut hickory
- 0ignut hickory
- pugnut hickory
- pjgnut hickory
- pkgnut hickory
- pognut hickory
- p9gnut hickory
- p8gnut hickory
- pifnut hickory
- pivnut hickory
- pibnut hickory
- pihnut hickory
- piynut hickory
- pitnut hickory
- pigbut hickory
- pigmut hickory
- pigjut hickory
Etymology of PIGNUT HICKORY
The word "pignut" in "pignut hickory" is derived from the Old English word "picnot", which means "hard nut" or "nut that needs to be picked" or "nut with a pointed end". It refers to the small size and hardness of the hickory nut produced by this tree. The term "hickory" is believed to have originated from the Algonquian language, possibly the Powhatan or Pamunkey dialects spoken by Native American tribes in Virginia. The exact Algonquian word from which "hickory" is derived is uncertain, but it is thought to have referred to the tree or its wood.
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