Before the mass production of brooms, the wood of it, since flexible yet sturdy, was used to make brooms by settlers, that is why another name for the Pignut Hickory is the Broom Hickory. It has been used in traditional medicine, woodworking, and as a sweetener by Native Americans, and still holds precedent in their culture today. They see them as symbols of strength and endurance. 

Just like other Hickories, it does not have many insects or diseases that try to come after it. While that may be true it does have some things that like to try and come after it, the bark beetle and the pecan weevil. As well as those there is fungus and most dangerous to these trees fire. Fire is so dangerous because compared to other trees, the Pignut Hickory is a lot more susceptible to fire. Once burned if not able to heal the tree will begin to rot.