![photo of Carya ovata](https://www.jerseyyards.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/carya-ovata-d-420x330.jpg)
Carya ovata
Shagbark Hickory
Shagbark Hickory is a large, deciduous tree, which gets its name from its unique bark. The gray, “shaggy” bark is broken up into long,...
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