Trees in a landscape often predate the home. Hickories are slow growing and difficult to transplant, thus this tree is rarely found in nurseries. The mockernut, white hickory, whiteheart, or bigbud hickory is commonly found on well-drained soils throughout the state. The tree has an upright habit even when grown in the open. The recent twigs are short, stout, and more or less covered with downy hairs.
Twigs are bright brown in color.
The mature bark is dark gray, hard, closely, and deeply furrowed, often apparently cross furrowed or netted. Bark is closely held and very different than the shellbark and shagbark hickories. Odd-pinnately compound leaves contain seven to nine leaflets. The upper leaflets are larger than the lower ones. Foliage is very fragrant when crushed.