[10] Deep squamous ridges and dark-gray colours are present on the bark of older specimens.

[12] Male catkins and female flowers grow on each plant making it monoecious.

[11] Characteristic of hickory, C. pallida wood is thick, durable, and shock absorbent.

[11] Carya spp., the "true hickories", form extensive taproots which can make transplanting trees difficult or impossible.

[14] Male catkins are 7 to 10 cm (3–4 in) long while female flowers are of similar size.

The common name of C. pallida, pale hickory, refers to the fair abaxial colour of the leaflet.

[9] Some sources list a common name of pignut hickory, but this usually refers to Carya glabra.

[21] Population decline has been reported in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Missouri.

[9] Specifically, it can be often found alongside longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and scrub oak (Quercus marilandica).

[24] Hickory wood is used for flooring, cooking, cabinetry, furniture, firewood, musical instruments, and tool handles.

It was recorded by the American Forests organization, and it is on the National Register of Champion Trees.

Horticulturists speculate that they could aid in disease resistance, enzyme activities, ion transportation or other chemical functions.

[28] Carya pallida is a tetraploid species along with C. floridana, C. glabra, C. texana, and C. tomentosa.