The Effects of Hickory Nuts on Soil pH

Allelopathy

• A phenomenon where a dominant plant emits a juglone toxin through the shell of its fruit, roots or leaves, allelopathy is practiced most notably by black walnut trees, and less aggressively by hickories. The toxin in the nutshells of these trees is absorbed into the soil and prevents other trees and competing plants from taking root in the immediate area. It is a self-preservation technique. Some plants, like most grasses, are unaffected by the toxin, and coexist peacefully with the trees. For this reason, the shells of these nuts should never be placed on the compost pile where they may eventually end up in the garden or flower pots.

Growing Hickory

• With more than 130 named cultivars that thrive throughout North America, hickories are found both wild-growing and cultivated. A tree takes as many as 15 years to become productive, but is then able to bear edible fruit for anywhere from 60 to 200 years. Their large, deep taproot makes them strong and impervious to winds, and their hardwood construction is not prone to rot. A tree may produce up to 75 lbs. of nuts in a season. To prevent the nuts from harming surrounding plants or altering the soil, rake them up as they fall from the tree.

History

• The edible hickory nut has a colorful history dating back to 1792 when William Bartram noted that the native peoples of Georgia harvested and stored large amounts of the nuts for making into a "milk" used in the cooking of native breads, according to Texas A&M's "Hickories." The Indians "...pound them to pieces, and then cast them into boiling water, which, after passing through fine strainers, preserves the most oily part of the liquid; this they call by a name which signifies hiccory milk; it is as sweet and rich as fresh cream..." wrote Bartram.

Harvesting

• If planning to use the nuts for consumption, harvest them as soon as they fall to keep the shells from becoming rotted, or squirrels from carrying them away. This also maintains the integrity of the soil beneath your hickory tree. The nuts are a favorite of many wildlife species besides squirrels. Float gathered nuts in a bucket of water, picking out floaters, as they are likely to contain weevils. Shell and dry immediately, and either store in a cool dry place or freeze. If handled properly, most nuts last in storage up to a year.