Due to the extraordinary concentration of species diversity in the arboretum's relatively small space, we have a variety of fall foliage. Some of the trees have already changed color and dropped leaves, while others, most notably the maples and viburnums, are still in the process of showing us their fall colors. The evergreen palms and palmettoes will, of course, be best enjoyed next season, when the wintry landscape is bare and dreary.
But for now, the last two weeks of autumn, we must mention a tree that has gone too long without recognition. There is a handsome tree that produces a brilliant yellow display of leaves every autumn, but then for the rest of the year fades into the background; it requires zero maintenance and does not produce showy flowers or tasty fruits. It has no record in the arboretum catalogue, which means that this individual was not planted by either the current curator or the founder. Perhaps it is a volunteer. It may also have been intentionally planted prior to the founding of the arboretum. Examining its late-autumn guise, we can conclude that this tree is a pignut hickory (Carya glabra), and the below photos highlight its features.
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| We first note a straight growth pattern. The trunk does not lean. The specimen is growing in rare full sun, next to a derelict lightpole. Classified as shade tolerant, this species would still prefer to get full sun. Its branches are horizontal or ascending, not drooping. We needed a ladder to collect leaves for identification. |
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| Bark on the lower trunk is grey and textured. |
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| Detail; do you see a weaving or diamond pattern? |
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| Long petioles alternate along the twig. |
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| We see compound leaves, with 7 leaflets, measuring nearly a foot in length. Leaves are turning yellow. This species is recognized for its gorgeous fall foliage. |
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| Leaflets vary in size, with the smallest leaflets at the base. |
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| The terminal leaflet on this leaf measures nearly 5½ inches. |
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| Leaflets have serrated margins. |
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| Underneath, we do not see the pretty yellow autumnal coloration. Leaflets and stem are pale and a little fuzzy. |
Preliminary analysis points to Carya glabra, the pignut hickory. Let's officially start our list of 2026 goals: examine and make a digital record of spring leaves and flowers of this specimen, to strengthen our
claim that this individual is a pignut hickory. Finding nuts belonging to this tree would help date it, as it takes more than 25 years of growth to reach maturity. Testing these nuts for edibility would also help, as they are particularly fatty and tasty, even among hickories. Although in the past this individual has produdced little to no fruit, 2026 is a new year with new surprises!
For more information about this species, please consult the following resources:
University of Florida
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSUAgCenter)
