photo of Carya ovata

Carya ovata

Shagbark Hickory

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Shagbark Hickory is a large, deciduous tree, which gets its name from its unique bark. The gray, “shaggy” bark is broken up into long,...

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Description:

Shagbark Hickory is a large, deciduous tree, which gets its name from its unique bark. The gray, “shaggy” bark is broken up into long, thin, peeling plates, adding ornamental interest for all seasons. The medium-green, compound leaves turn a golden color in the fall. This tree is monoecious (separate male and female flowers grow on the same tree); the non-showy flowers bloom April-May. The flowers are followed by edible, hard-shelled nuts, which provide food for birds and other wildlife. People also enjoy eating the nuts. Hickory wood is hard and used in a variety of products, including baseball bats, and also used to smoke and cure meats. Give this large and lovely tree plenty of room to grow! Use Shagbark Hickory as a specimen tree or shade tree in large yards or in parks.

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Tree

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: Yellow, Green

Deer Resistance: High

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Birds

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 60 - 80 ft

Spread: 60 - 80 ft

Growth Rate: Slow