This week the fall color has really started to emerge in some of our native Missouri trees. One tree that is tough to pass up is the Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra.) Getting up to 80 feet tall, this tree is an upright stand of golden yellow beauty right now. It can be found in dryer conditions in wooded areas and can even handle sandy/gravelly soils. Wildlife benefits are plenty. The nuts are eaten by squirrels, deer, wood ducks, mice, and wild turkey. Leaves are a food source for caterpillars of the luna moth and giant regal moth among others. Be sure to slow down and take in some of its fall color this season.
The lovely tree featured in these images stands on the north side of Carondelet Park.
