Shagbark Hickory

Scientific Name: Carya ovata

Family: Juglandaceae

Origin: Eastern US & SE Canada

Shagbark Hickory
Shagbark Hickory
Spring Leaf Cluster
Spring Leaf Cluster

Why is it called Shagbark Hickory? These trees have bark that peels off the tree, giving it a shaggy appearance.

Common Names: Shagbark Hickory and Shell-Bark Hickory

Mature Height: 60-80 feet

Mature Width/Spread: 30-50 feet

Leaves: Wavy and round with a pointed tip, loses leaves seasonally. Leaves usually have 5 leaflets.

In the fall, the leaves become: golden brown, often rusty-spotted

Historical tidbit: General Andrew Jackson was called “Old Hickory” by his soldiers because of his toughness during the War of 1812. He is buried beneath six Shagbark Hickory trees.

Did you know …

  • The fruit from this tree is an edible nut covered by a thick husk that has a sweet taste and is an excellent source of dietary fibers, unsaturated fatty acids, manganese, zinc and phosphorus.
  • The bark of this tree is also useful, since it can be used to make edible syrup.
  • The tallest Shagbark Hickory is located in Savage Gulf, Tennessee and is over 150 feet tall.
Fruit
Fruit

Sources

https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/shagbark-hickory

https://wildseedproject.net/2016/01/shagbark-hickory-carya-ovata-juglandaceae/

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/shbk_hickory.html

http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/hickory_facts/1216/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carya_ovata

Peattie, Donald. A Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America, 2nd ed.  New York, Bonanza Books, 1963.

Photo Credit

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