MNSTAC Monthly Forums

Monthly forums address issues in urban forestry, arboriculture, and research. Forums are typically held on the third Thursday of the month.

To view past presentations, visit the Forum Presentations page.

---

December 2021 - Virtual Forum

Hickories in Horticulture: Novel Options for Diversifying Managed Landscapes
Thursday, December 16 @ 10am-11am
​
Session Description:
As severe weather events and the introduction of invasive pests occur more frequently
in the United States, limited biodiversity and the resiliency of managed landscapes has
come into question. Those that manage green spaces recognize the value of
diversifying urban forests with species and selections of plants capable of tolerating the
demands of a changing landscape and climate. Yet modern trends in the nursery supply
chain have led to the repetitive use of easily grown, closely related taxa. Of the
multitude of underutilized trees that could be used more broadly in managed
landscapes are hickories [Carya (Nutt.)]. The genus Carya includes many stately, native
trees, that offer superior ornamental features with great promise for application in urban
environments. Hickories (Carya spp.) have long been sought after by horticulturists for
their ornamental value yet have not been integrated into commercial nursery production
due to limited propagation techniques, slow growth, and claims of poor transplant
success. A focused interest in planting these trees could drive their development as
nursery crops while research aimed at resolving production issues could expand their
availability in the green industry. In this presentation we will introduce species of hickory
with potential for application in Minnesota as well as review myths and current issues
with their integration into horticulture.
​
Speaker: 
Brandon Miller PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Horticultural Science
University of Minnesota

Connection Details:
Join the Zoom meeting directly at this link:
https://umn.zoom.us/j/95412332549​

or

Dial in to meeting:
+1 651 372 8299 
​Meeting ID: ​954 1233 2549

December Forum 2nd Harvest Heartland Donation Drive - For every $1 donated, Second Harvest Heartland can provide 3 meals. Join fellow MnSTAC members in donating, and together we can help reduce food insecurity for our neighbors.

---