The LEAVES are large, strong-scented, and hairy; composed of 7 to 9 [obovate] to [oblong], pointed [leaflets] pale to orange-brown on the lower surface. The leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.
MOCKERNUT HICKORY (Leaf, one-fifth natural size; twig, two-thirds natural size; [fruit], one-third natural size)
The FLOWERS are of two kinds on the same tree; the male in three-branched [catkins], the female in clusters of 2 to 5. The [FRUIT] is [oval], nearly round or slightly pear-shaped with a very thick, strong-scented husk which splits nearly to the base when ripe. The [nut] sometimes has 4 to 6 ridges; is reddish-brown, thick shelled, and has a small, sweet kernel.
The WOOD is heavy, hard, tough, and strong. It is white except for the comparatively small, dark-brown heart, hence the name white hickory. It is used for the same purpose as shagbark hickory and makes an excellent fuel.
BLACK HICKORY
Carya texana Buckl.
This is a common hickory in northern and eastern Texas, growing on hillsides and sandy uplands with post and black jack oaks. It is distinguished by its rusty brown hairs found on the young leaves and branches. It forms a tree 60 to 75 feet high, with a trunk 2 feet in diameter.
BLACK HICKORY (Leaf, one-fourth natural size; [fruit], one-third natural size; twig, three-fourths natural size)
The [BARK] is dark gray or nearly black, deeply divided into rough ridges, or it may be irregularly fissured and separated into thin [scales]. The winter buds are [ovoid] and covered with rusty hairs mixed with silvery scales.