Do Not Fear the Hickories

While March is too early to use leaves, flower and fruit as identifying features for trees in general, it is the perfect month to focus on tree bark! Thankfully, even students with tree nut allergies can interact with hickory trees since touching bark is unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. However, students should still take care not to touch nut husks and remains that may be on the ground from last fall. If you are able to visit the Arnold Arboretum, a majority of our hickory and walnut specimens can be found near the Centre Street Gate entrance along Valley Road.

There are 12 species of hickory trees native to North America though most are found in southern US. Hickory trees are one of the most important hardwood trees in our forests, and their golden yellow compound leaves are stunning in the fall. Hickories have deep tap roots which anchor the trees to the ground and their dense strong hardwood makes them particularly well suited to growing in hurricane locations. Hickories are also important shade trees in parks and tolerate urban environments. The seeds of hickories are the delicious nuts that are edible and provide significant wildlife benefits. Fun fact: hickories are closely related to pecans and natural hybrids between them are called hican trees!

Hickory trees were a critical resource for Indigenous Peoples and early settlers; it was an important source of food that drove communities to thrive across history in eastern North America. The hickory history is intertwined with human history, and preserving and growing them can contribute to a climate resilient future. A beautiful way to share this concept with students is to read Nell Plants a Tree, by Anne Wynter.

Outdoor Journal Activities

In our area, we will focus on the more common shagbark hickory and pignut hickory. See below for a comparison between these two species of hickories. Search for the telltale look of shaggy, peeling bark then use your senses to record discoveries in your journal.

Science Labs

Use hickory trees as a way to teach students about food induced allergic reactions. This excellent video explains in simple terms what an allergic reaction is, how it affects the body, and how and why epinephrine works as a treatment.
High school students can embark in a genetics unit using food allergies as a storyline to research proteins, create models, and understand genetic variation that can lead to allergies.
Younger students can investigate root systems. By modeling tap roots using paper towels, students learn about water absorption and plant strength. Add a “hurricane” component using fans to see which root systems stay upright better or vary the soil substrate for additional inquiries.

The Arboretum for Educators

Do Not Fear the Hickories