Southwest Missouri is a region known for its diverse and beautiful tree cover. One of the most common and important trees in the region is the hickory tree. Hickory trees are a genus of deciduous trees that are native to North America. They are known for their strong wood, edible nuts, and beautiful fall foliage.

There are several different types of hickory trees that are found in southwest Missouri. The most common types include:

• Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata): The shagbark hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It is known for its distinctive bark, which peels off in long, shaggy strips. Shagbark hickory nuts are a popular food for wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and deer.
• Shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa): The shellbark hickory is another large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has a thick, hard shell that is difficult to crack, but the nuts inside are delicious. Shellbark hickory nuts are a popular food for humans, and they are also used to make a variety of products, including oil, flour, and syrup.
• Mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa): The mockernut hickory is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has a thick, hard shell that is similar to the shellbark hickory, but the nuts are smaller and less flavorful. Mockernut hickory nuts are a popular food for wildlife, but they are not as commonly eaten by humans.
• Pignut hickory (Carya glabra): The pignut hickory is a small tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It has a thin shell that is easy to crack, but the nuts inside are small and bitter. Pignut hickory nuts are a popular food for wildlife, but they are not as commonly eaten by humans.

Hickory trees play an important role in the ecosystem of southwest Missouri. They provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, and they help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Hickory trees are also a valuable resource for humans. The wood is used to make a variety of products, including furniture, flooring, and tool handles. The nuts are a popular food source, and they are also used to make a variety of products, including oil, flour, and syrup.