Carya aquatica, the bitter pecan or water hickory, is a large tree of the Juglandaceae or walnut family. In the Southeastern United States it is a dominant plant species found on clay flats and backwater areas near streams and rivers. The species reproduces aggressively both by seed and sprouts from roots and from stumps of cut trees. Water hickory is a major component of wetland forests now in the southeastern US, because of the selective cutting of more desirable tree species for the lumber industry. It can grow over 30 metres (98 ft) tall. It is considered important in cleansing drainage waters since the plants slow water flow during flooding, allowing sediments to fall out of the water column. This tree species is tolerant of wet soils but grows best on well draining soils near rivers and other waterways.