Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)

PLANT INFORMATION

Plant Size: 3 Gallon

Name: Shagbark Hickory – Carya ovata

Type: Tree

This Midwest native is named for its bark, which peels away in large, flat, curving plates, giving the tree a shaggy appearance. As a member of the walnut family, shagbark hickory produces edible nuts. The sweet nuts, once a staple food for Indigenous tribes, provide food for wildlife as well. Shagbark hickory is evenly distributed throughout the Eastern States and, together with pignut hickory, furnishes the bulk of the commercial hickory. The tough, resilient properties of the wood make it suitable for products subject to impact and stress.

This tree is adaptable to both sandy and clay loams and prefers fertile, deep soil that is well-drained. It grows in both full sun and part shade and is drought-tolerant once established. The deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant.  Large trees like the shagbark hickory can produce ample litter through dropped leaves and fruit, so choose its planting location accordingly.

Shagbarks provide excellent shade for a large yard, in a park, or naturalized area.  This hickory serves as a host plant for Hickory horndevil (Citheronia regalis) and Luna (Actias luna) moths as well as the Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) butterfly.

Mature height: 60-80 feet

Mature width: 30-50 feet

Light exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)

Soil preference: Moist, well-drained soil

Drought tolerance: Moderately tolerant

Other tolerances: Alkaline soil, Dry sites