Carya laciniosa

Common Names

Shellbark Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, Kingnut

Summary

Shellbark hickory is a large deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, typically reaching 60–100 ft in height with a trunk about 3–4 ft in diameter and occasionally taller. It features gray bark when young that later splits into long, shaggy plates; leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with seven leaflets; nuts are large, tan to brown with a thick husk that splits into four sections and a sweet kernel; a deep taproot and slow growth contribute to transplanting difficulty.

Hardiness in USDA zones 5–8; grows best in moist, rich loams in full sun to part shade and can tolerate periodic flooding; requires very large space and establishes slowly due to the deep taproot. Propagation by seed requires 90–120 days of cold stratification, with cross-pollination improving nut crops; practical uses include high-value wood for tool handles, furniture, veneer, and fuel, plus edible nuts that wildlife rely on; pests such as hickory bark beetle and pecan weevil can occur; not commonly carried by nurseries due to size and transplanting challenges.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

33-131 feet

Spread

40-60 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, fertile, moist bottomland soils (loams or silt loams) in floodplains, neutral to slightly alkaline, not heavy clay

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Greenish-yellow to Yellow-green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to golden brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow; diameter growth 2-5 mm/year

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds; Sprouts/coppicing; Grafting and budding; Cuttings (not known whether will root)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, bees, and moths