Hickory is a type of tree, comprising the genus Carya . The genus includes 17 to 19 species. Five or six species are native to China, Indochina, and India (Assam), as many as 12 are native to the United States, four are found in Mexico, and two to four are from Canada. A number of hickory species are used by man for products like edible nuts (pecans) or wood.
Hickories are deciduous trees with pinnately compound leaves and large nuts.
Regarding usage:
Hickory wood is very hard, stiff, dense and shock resistant. There are woods that are stronger than hickory and woods that are harder, but the combination of strength, toughness, hardness, and stiffness found in hickory wood is not found in any other commercial wood.
It is used for toolhandles, bows, wheel spokes, carts, drumsticks, lacrosse stick handles, golf club shafts (sometimes still called hickory stick, even though made of steel or graphite), the bottom of skis, walking sticks, and for punitive use as a switch (like hazel), and especially as a cane-like hickory stick in schools and use by parents. Paddles are often made from hickory.
Hickory is also highly prized for wood-burning stoves and chimineas because of its high energy content. Hickory wood is also a preferred type for smoking cured meats. In the Southern United States, hickory is popular for cooking barbecue, as hickory grows abundantly in the region and adds flavor to the meat.
Hickory is also used for wood flooring due to its durability in resisting wear and character. Hickory wood is not noted for rot resistance.
Hickory Floors is an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas. Hickory wood is hard and durable, which makes it prefect for the busiest area decoration. Its density makes it resistant to be less likely to scratch than softer wood, in this way, floors will look newer and longer.
Now, I know what is Hickory, thanks.