Shagbark hickory

Scientific name

Carya ovata

Description

Shagbark Hickory is a deciduous tree that typically grows between 19-25 m tall. Shagbark Hickory may also be referred to as upland Hickory or Scalybark Hickory. As the tree matures, the dark grey bark peels away from the tree in plates, giving it a shaggy appearance. The leaves are alternate, 15-30 cm long, yellowish-green in colour, and compound with 5 leaflets. The nuts produced are round, greenish to dark reddish-brown, and split into 4 at the base. The edible nuts are sweet tasting and are a favourite food of several wildlife species. Shagbark Hickory can live over 200 years.

Planting conditions

Shagbark Hickory grows best in moist conditions, but will also grow on drier sites. It grows best in well-drained loamy soils, but will also tolerate sand and clay type soils. Shagbark Hickory thrives in full or partial sun. Shagbark Hickory is sensitive to disturbance and grows at a slower pace. It can naturally be found growing in moist woodlands, floodplains, old-growth forests, and along streambanks.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 19-25m
• Spread:
  • 20 m