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Shellbark Hickory - Carya laciniosa
Shellbark Hickory - Carya laciniosa
Picture of Shellbark Hickory
Picture of Shellbark Hickory
Picture of Shellbark Hickory
Picture of Shellbark Hickory

Shellbark Hickory

Carya laciniosa
Zones: 5 - 8

Zone Map



The Shellbark Hickory Grows in zones 5 - 8
  • Yields a ripened nut crop in the fall; the sweet kernels are covered with a ¼" thick husk and a hard, light brown shell
  • Produces the largest of all hickory nuts; with husk intact, the fruit is 1¾–2½ long
  • Begins to bear nuts in 10–12 years if grown from seed
  • Develops a thick, light gray, shaggy bark with ends curving up once the tree reaches 4–8" in diameter
  • Features compound, alternate leaves up to 22" long that consist of 5–9 large, fine-toothed leaflets
  • Is self-fertile, but it is best to plant more than one tree for best results
  • Looks similar to the more prevalent shagbark hickory
  • Grows in an oval to rounded shape
  • Develops a taproot, making it difficult to transplant
Pricing Information

Tree Details

Shape

Oval

Growth Speed

Slow

Scientific Name

Carya laciniosa

Mature Height

60' - 80'

Shipping Height

2' - 3'

Highlights

A native of moist bottomlands and floodplains of the United States, the shellbark hickory was once a common sight. Only few stand in nature today, but when you do encounter one, it is a memorable sight. Drooping lower branches. Large yellow-green leaves. Shaggy bark curling up at the ends.

While this nut tree is not very widely planted, you needn’t shy away. It’s a slow grower to be sure, but the long-living shellbark hickory will reward patient tree planters with strong limbs, few natural pests, low maintenance, and large nuts.

Sun Preference

Full Sun

Soil Preference

Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Wet

Wildlife Value

The leaves of the shellbark hickory are eaten by deer and other browsers while the nuts are consumed by deer, bears, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkey and other animals. It provides nutrition for bees in early to late spring.

History/Lore

The shellbark hickory played a role in forging our nation. Its tough, shock-resistant wood was used to make gunstocks, ramrods and tool handles. This hickory tree also provided food on the frontier and dozens of useful products and medicines.

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apparel  drought tolerant  evergreen  fast growing  give a tree  give a tree cards  graphic t-shirt  greeting cards  holiday card  memorial  pollinator friendly  recycled materials  shade  sympathy  unisex 
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