Hickory is an open grained hardwood that is often used for rustic applications. The grain can range from a blond or cream to lively reddish brown with streaks of purple. Hickory trees tend to have full crowns with many twigs, as a result hickory lumber often has defects such as ingrown bark, tight knots and bird peck. There are several types of hickory such as shagbark hickory and pecan. The true pecan has a tighter grain and more vivid colors.