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Carya ovata
Shagbark Hickory
Easily recognizable by its light gray, fissured bark that peels off in long, curling strips. This hickory has a rounded crown, dark green, glossy foliage and bears rounded, edible nuts.
- » Irregular, oval, rounded, growth habit
- » The bark of mature trees is dark gray to brown and exfoliates in long strips
- » Long, narrow, pointed, compound leaves are dark green and glossy
- » Leaves turn yellow to golden brown in the fall
- » Non-showy greenish-yellow flowers give way to edible oval-rounded nuts
- » Bloom Time: Spring
- Category:Trees
- Hardiness Zone:4
- Height:22-25 m
- Spread:15-17 m
- Bloom Color: Lime-green
Additional Information about Carya ovata
Native to Ontario and parts of North America.
Nuts were an important food source for Native Americans and early settlers and are commercially sold today. Cross-pollination generally produces a more abundant crop of quality nuts. Hickory wood, an excellent fuel source, is often used to cure or smoke meats. Extremely hard, the wood is used to make a variety of products, including tool handles, ladders, and furniture.
This tall ornamental shade tree is ideal for large landscapes and park settings, particularly when attracting wildlife is desired.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Carya ovata
Shagbark hickory can become a large tree, needing ample space. They can be hard to transplant, due to their significant taproot.