Hickory

 

Distribution
Eastern to Midwestern United States

 

The Tree
Hickory trees can reach a height of 140 ft (43 m), with a diameter of 4 ft (1.2 m).

 

The Wood

 

General
The sapwood of hickory is white, tinged with brown, while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown. The wood is known for its strength and shock resistance. It is difficult to dry or season. It rates above average in most working properties, except in shaping and nail-holding ability. The wood of pecans is rated slightly below that of true hickories.

Working Properties
Hickory is considered difficult to machine and glue. It holds nails well, but it tends to split. It is susceptible to bird peck.

Durability
Rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.

Preservation
Extremely resistant.

Uses
Tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, ladder rungs, dowels, sporting goods (including baseball bats, skis and archery equipment), flooring, veneer, plywood, fuelwood, charcoal.