Mockernut Hickory

There’s a big Mockernut Hickory on the edge of the path into the orchard area. This is tough wood (the hardest native hardwood in North America) often used for tool handles. The nut is quite edible, but the thick husk and small nut generally make it not worth the powder.

Mockernut Hickory can get 100 feet tall and can, on occasion, live 500 years.  

For purposes of thought, 500 years ago was 1525.  In 1525, Virginia and Maryland were entirely under Indigenous control, primarily by Algonquian, Iroquoian, Piscataway, Nanticoke, Susquehannock, and the Eastern Siouan people. At this time, no Europeans had settled in the region, though Spanish explorers had begun mapping parts of the Atlantic coastline.

I think I shall look around for a few pieces to use as a possible stick. Not that I need another stick….