Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut Tree, Shade Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8; widely adaptable to various continental climates within this range.
About This Tree
A large, slow-growing tree reaching heights of up to 100 feet. It is characterized by its distinctively 'shaggy' bark that peels away in long, vertical plates. It has a narrow, upright crown and produces edible nuts encased in thick husks.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, usually 5 leaflets (occasionally 7), 8-14 inches long. Leaflets are ovate-lanceolate with finely serrated margins. Medium green turning golden-yellow to bronze in the fall.
Bark Characteristics
Young bark is smooth and gray. On mature trees, the bark breaks into long, thin, vertical strips that curl away from the trunk at both ends, giving it a shaggy appearance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, from Quebec to Georgia and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Bud break in late spring; flowers (catkins) appear in May-June; nuts ripen in autumn (September-October); dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade when young. Needs well-drained soil; has moderate water requirements and good drought tolerance once established due to a deep taproot.
Mature Size
Mature height 60-80 feet (can reach 100); spread 40-60 feet. Growth rate is slow. Lifespan of 200-350 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely strong, shock-resistant wood used for tool handles; smoke from wood is highly valued for curing meats; produces sweet, edible nuts; high ornamental value due to unique bark.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons; supports various moth larvae including the Luna Moth; peeling bark provides essential roosting habitat for bats such as the Indiana Bat.