Hickory (Lakota)
Carya ovata 'Lakota'
A superior shagbark hickory selection known for producing exceptionally large, thin-shelled nuts with outstanding flavor that rivals any native nut tree. Lakota was selected from wild trees for its consistent production, easy cracking, and rich, buttery kernel quality that makes the effort of growing hickories worthwhile. This variety represents the best of America's native nut trees for the patient home orchardist.
Harvest
180-210d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
70-90 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Hickory (Lakota) in USDA Zone 7
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Hickory (Lakota) · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 70 ft. 0 in. - 90 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 50 ft. 0 in. - 70 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet, more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The round fruit is a 4 parted husk that is 1½-2" long and wide. It is green maturing to deep brown and splits open when the nut is mature. The nut of each fruit is light tan, oval, and somewhat compressed. The meat is edible and sweet. Displays in October.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Nut. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Nuts are edible and sweet.
History & Origin
Origin: E. Canada to Central & E. U.S.A. and NE. Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Fire
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Host plant for Banded Hairstreak butterfly and many moths including the Luna moth. The nuts are eaten by a variety of wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks, and black bears. Moderately resistant to deer. This plant supports Hickory Horndevil (Citheronia regalis) larvae which have one brood and appear from May to mid-September. Adult Hickory Horndevil moths do not feed.
- +Edible: Nuts are edible and sweet.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Bergamot
Native prairie plant that attracts beneficial pollinators and pest predators
Purple Prairie Clover
Nitrogen-fixing legume that enriches soil and supports native ecosystem
Little Bluestem Grass
Native grass that prevents soil erosion and complements hickory's deep root system
Wild Ginger
Shade-tolerant groundcover that thrives under hickory canopy and retains soil moisture
Elderberry
Compatible native shrub that attracts birds which help disperse hickory nuts
Wild Columbine
Native wildflower that tolerates partial shade and attracts beneficial insects
Sumac
Fast-growing native shrub that provides windbreak protection for young hickory trees
Nodding Onion
Native allium that deters rodents from hickory nuts and attracts pollinators
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to hickory and inhibits growth through allelopathy
Eastern Red Cedar
Competes aggressively for water and nutrients, can harbor cedar-apple rust
Tree of Heaven
Invasive species that releases allelopathic compounds and outcompetes native hickory
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346395)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent native disease and pest resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Hickory weevil, aphids, hickory bark beetle, fall webworm
Diseases
Anthracnose, leaf spot, canker diseases (rarely serious)