Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata
Also listed as Hicorius ovata, Juglans ovata
Also known as Shellbark Hickory, Upland Hickory
Climate Match for your location
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A large native deciduous tree valued for its distinctive shaggy gray bark, compound leaves that turn golden-bronze in fall, and edible nuts. It requires space to mature but provides excellent shade and wildlife food.
Why grow it
Shagbark hickory produces nuts with thinner shells than most hickory species, making them easier to crack and access the kernel. Among native hardwoods, it offers reliable fall color and significant wildlife value while also functioning as a productive food tree for patient growers. It matures slower than many shade trees but develops superior wood density and longevity compared to faster-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
Plan for a 10-15 year wait before significant nut production begins. The large compound leaves and dropped nuts create substantial litter fall, requiring clear sightlines to property lines and structures. Trees take substantial space to develop their characteristic form, and branches can be brittle during ice storms common in much of their native range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Juglandaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A large native deciduous tree valued for its distinctive shaggy gray bark, compound leaves that turn golden-bronze in fall, and edible nuts. It requires space to mature but provides excellent shade and wildlife food.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Shagbark Hickory grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Shagbark hickory produces nuts with thinner shells than most hickory species, making them easier to crack and access the kernel. Among native hardwoods, it offers reliable fall color and significant wildlife value while also functioning as a productive food tree for patient growers. It matures slower than many shade trees but develops superior wood density and longevity compared to faster-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
Plan for a 10-15 year wait before significant nut production begins. The large compound leaves and dropped nuts create substantial litter fall, requiring clear sightlines to property lines and structures. Trees take substantial space to develop their characteristic form, and branches can be brittle during ice storms common in much of their native range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Juglandaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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