Population decline
The sand hickory has been recorded in most southeastern states. Its range extends from Delaware and to the west of Missouri. "Carya pallida" has not been recorded in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio. Rarely, it can be found in southwestern Indiana, and it is uncommon in Maryland. Population decline has been reported in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Missouri. Sand hickory is also prominent in dry oak-hickory forests. Specifically, it can be often found alongside longleaf pine ("Pinus palustris") and scrub oak ("Quercus marilandica)." Hybridization with pignut hickory ("Carya glabra") has been reported.