Also known as Smoothbark Hickory.

Native to the Appalachians in eastern and central USA, and tip of southern Canada. Uncommon in north-west Europe.

Monoecious.

Medium to large (30m), with a slender trunk and arching branches. Bark grey-brown with a purple tinge, developing shallow fissures. Buds red-brown. Leaves pinnate compound, 20-30cm, glabrous beneath, with 5 (to 7) serrated leaflets, the terminal largest. Fruit a pear-shaped smooth drupe with four valves (no prominent sutures), containing a small nut.

Moderately shade-tolerant, grows on wide range of soils. Deep taproot can make establishment after transplanting slow.

Low where introduced.

Generally healthy.

Very fine autumn foliage. Nuts bitter, formerly fed to pigs. Timber valued for tool handles.