Key Facts
- Native to eastern North America
- Distinctive loose peeling bark that forms shaggy plates on mature trunks
- Produces edible nuts favored by wildlife and people
- Long lived hardwood commonly used for timber and smoking meat
- Monoecious with male catkins and small female flowers in spring
- Prefers deep fertile loam that is well drained and moist
- Performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade
- Propagated by seed with cold stratification and by grafting for named types
Shagbark Hickory is a tall native hardwood with shaggy peeling bark and edible nuts. It makes a striking specimen or park tree but needs ample room to reach mature size and to produce a reliable nut crop.
Identification
Look for loose peeling bark that forms shaggy plates on mature trunks and a tall upright crown. Leaves are compound and nuts form after spring flowering when male catkins and small female flowers appear. The species is monoecious with both male and female flowers on the same tree.
Best uses and where to grow
Suited to large landscapes parks and naturalized areas in USDA zones 4 to 8 where it can reach 60 to 80 feet. It performs best in full sun for good form and nut production but will tolerate partial shade. The tree is valued for wildlife food timber and smoking meat.
Planting and spacing
Plant nursery seedlings while they are young and protect them from rodent damage and competing vegetation. Allow plenty of room for a 40 to 60 foot crown when siting trees so branches do not conflict with structures or other trees. Avoid low spots with poor drainage where decline can occur.
Soil and watering
Prefers deep fertile loam that is well drained and consistently moist with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5. It tolerates heavier clay and drier conditions once established but will decline in waterlogged soil. Keep young trees evenly watered until established and avoid prolonged saturation.
After flowering and nut production
Flowers appear in spring then develop into edible nuts that are sought by wildlife and people. Trees in warmer parts of the range tend to mature and set nuts earlier. Expect wildlife activity under producing trees and plan harvest or cleanup accordingly.
Maintenance and suitability
Shagbark Hickory is a long lived hardwood that needs minimal pruning beyond early structural work. It is not suitable for containers or small yards because of large mature height and spread. Choose a permanent planting site with room to grow and avoid close proximity to buildings and overhead lines.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Shagbark Hickory grow?
- Growth is generally moderate to slow for a hardwood. Mature height is typically 60 to 80 feet and full size can take many years to reach.
- Are the nuts edible?
- Yes. The nuts are edible and are used by wildlife and people. Large amounts of shells or nuts could cause choking or digestive upset.
- Is Shagbark Hickory toxic to pets or children?
- The species is not generally listed as toxic. For specific ingestion incidents consult regional poison control or a veterinarian.
- Can I grow this tree in my yard?
- Only if you have ample space. Allow for a 40 to 60 foot crown and 60 to 80 foot height to avoid conflicts with structures and utilities.
- How do I propagate Shagbark Hickory?
- Propagate by seed with cold stratification or by grafting for named cultivars. Transplant nursery seedlings when young and protect them from rodents.
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