Distribution: The
growth range of hickory in North America is reported to include
south eastern Canada and eastern United States. It is reported
to occur from the southern tip of Ontario to Massachusetts,
south to northern Florida, west to eastern Texas, and north
to southeastern Iowa. It grows at elevations of up to 3000
feet (914 m) in the southern Appalachians, and prefers moist
uplands and, less frequently, flood plains. It is usually
found in mixed stands with Oaks, and may also be found in
association with Pines.
General Characteristics: The
tree is reported to produce nuts and leaves which are aromatic
when crushed. Boles are straight, well-formed, and clear
of branches for about half the height of the mature tree.
Mature tree height is reported to be 50 to 80 feet (15
to 24 m), with a trunk diameter of about 24 inches (60
cm). The heartwood is brown or reddish-brown and is marketed
under the name of Red hickory; the often wide sapwood is
very pale in color and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
It is usually sold separately as White hickory. The wood
is generally coarse-textured; grain is reported to be often
straight, but may be wavy or irregular. There is no characteristic
odor or taste.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.66; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: Narrow
bandsawing is reported to be satisfactory. Hickory is reported
to be generally difficult to machine. Material containing
interlocked grain requires a reduced cutting angle of 20
degrees in planing operations. Turning properties are rated
as fairly good. The wood is reported to have excellent
boring qualities. Mortising characteristics are rated as
very good. Hickory is reported to be rather difficult to
glue. Pre-boring is recommended in nailing. Polishing characteristics
are reported to be good. The wood is reported to take stains
well. Hickory is reported to be highly suitable for steam
bending applications because of a combination of high bending
and crushing strengths, high stiffness, and very high resistance
to shock loads.
Durability: The wood is
reported to have very little resistance to decay. Standing
trees and logs are reported to be susceptible to attack
by forest longhorn or Buprestid beetles, and the sapwood
is vulnerable to attack by powder-post beetles.
Preservation: The wood is
moderately resistant to preservative treatment.
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