Carya ovata

Common Names

Shagbark Hickory, Shagbark, Shellbark Hickory, Scalybark Hickory, Upland Hickory, Common Shagbark Hickory

Summary

Carya ovata, commonly known as shagbark hickory, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically reaches 60–90 ft tall with an irregular oval-rounded crown and distinctive shaggy light-gray bark that exfoliates in long plates; leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with five to seven leaflets, turning yellow to golden brown in fall, and nuts are edible, enclosed in a thick husk that splits into four sections when ripe, widely valued by wildlife and humans. Best growth occurs in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well-drained loams, tolerating a range of soils from clay to sand, and a deep taproot makes transplanting difficult, requiring ample space in landscapes. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–8 and cross-pollination typically yields a more abundant, higher-quality crop of nuts; the wood is very hard and used for tool handles, flooring, furniture, and firewood, while the mast supports wildlife and the edible nuts add value for humans. Occasional pests such as hickory bark beetle, pecan weevil, and twig girdler, along with diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew, can occur, and leaf litter and nut drop can influence maintenance in urban plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

840-1080 inches

Spread

50-70 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably loam or humusy loam; moist but well-drained, tolerating clay or sandy loam if drainage is good.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellowish-green, Green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green with yellow-green tones in spring and summer, yellow-golden-yellow in fall

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to golden brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow to medium growth, about 6–12 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Vegetative propagation (stump sprouts and root suckers)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds