Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut tree and shade tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no specific named cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, showing strong cold hardiness and good adaptability to diverse temperate climate conditions
About This Tree
A large deciduous tree featuring an upright, oval to rounded crown with strong, ascending branches and a straight trunk. It has a moderate growth rate and is highly valued for its edible nuts and durable wood
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves typically featuring 5 (sometimes 7) ovate to obovate leaflets that are finely serrated along the margins. Leaflets show seasonal transition with green summer color turning to rich golden bronze in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light gray bark that separates into long, thick vertical plates or strips that curl away from the trunk at the ends, giving it a distinctive shaggy appearance as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast and west to the Great Plains
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces inconspicuous flowers in spring followed by nuts maturing in autumn, and drops leaves after turning golden brown in late fall
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils but demonstrates moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 60 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 50 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a lifespan often exceeding 200 years
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its distinctive shaggy bark, edible sweet hickory nuts, high-density wood prized for tool handles and smoking meats, and attractive golden-brown autumn foliage
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports a diverse range of wildlife including squirrels, chipmunks, and various birds that consume the high-energy nuts; serves as a host plant for several moth caterpillars and provides nesting habitat