Other common names are pignut, sweet pignut, coast pignut hickory, smoothbark hickory, swamp hickory, and broom hickory. The pear-shaped nut ripens in September and October and is an important part of the diet of many wild animals.

Why is it called a pignut?

Carya glabra was commonly called pignut hickory in colonial times because of the consumption of the small nuts by hogs. Early settlers also called it broom hickory because they made brooms from the saplings. Other uses for this strong wood include wheels, tool handles, ladders, furniture, skis and firewood.

Are Pignuts edible?

Edible Plants: Pignut Hickory. Description: Hickories have a similar looking fruit, where its shell is split into typically 4 slices that eventually break apart to reveal a nut. … Use: The nuts can be eaten raw, though they might be bitter. The nut can also be candied, crushed into flour, or boiled to separate the oil.