Habitat: Rich soils of mesic upland forests, floodplain forests, old fields, and fencerows; occasionally in dry, rocky woodlands on mafic or calcareous rocks. Common throughout, but in the mountains limited to lower elevations.
Wildlife Value: This plant supports Hickory Horndevil (Citheronia regalis) larvae. Also a Larval host for Banded Hairstreak butterflies and Luna moth. Meat of the nut is sweet and edible and a favorite food for squirrels.
Notes: Allelopathic. Problem for dogs and horses. Dogs can be poisoned by eating fallen, decaying nuts, hulls or wood fragments. Horses can absorb toxins through their skin and hooves
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.