Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata · Deciduous hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut tree and shade tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (No specific named cultivar identified from bark alone)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, demonstrating wide adaptability to continental temperate climates.
About This Tree
Large deciduous tree with a straight trunk, upright oval to rounded crown, and dense foliage. Highly valued for its distinctively peeling, shaggy bark at maturity, excellent hard wood, and edible nuts.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, typically 8 to 14 inches long with 5 (rarely 7) leaflets. Leaflets are oblong-lanceolate, finely serrated margins, turning a rich golden-bronze color in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to medium brown bark that separates into long, thick vertical plates or strips that curve away from the trunk at both ends, giving a distinct shaggy appearance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, extending from southern Ontario and Quebec south to Texas and Florida.
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out in late April to May, flowering in spring, nut development through summer, dropping mature nuts in autumn, followed by winter dormancy with yellow fall foliage.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils but has moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 60 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 60 feet. Slow to moderate growth rate with a very long lifespan exceeding 200 to 300 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces sweet, edible hickory nuts highly prized by humans and wildlife. Exceptional heavy-duty timber value, strong and shock-resistant wood traditionally used for tool handles and smoking meats.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports a wide variety of wildlife including squirrels, chipmunks, and various birds that consume the high-energy nuts. Serves as a larval host for several moth species and provides nesting habitat.