Shagbark Hickory

Availability: Out of stock
SKU
506

Incredible Texture, Edible Nuts Shagbark Hickory

  • Very Useful Shade Tree
  • Fascinating "Shaggy" Bark
  • Attractive, Open Canopy
  • Oversized Pinnate Compound Leaves Look Tropical
  • Foliage Emerges Rose-Pink in Spring
  • Brilliant Gold Fall Color
  • Mature Tree Produces Sweet, Edible Nuts
  • Largest of the Hickory Nuts
  • Native to North America
  • Long-Lived
  • Important Ecosystem Tree
  • Wildlife Tree
  • Valuable Timber
  • Adds Hickory Flavor While Smoking Meat

In need of shade? We offer many amazing choices, but one native legacy tree delivers a fresh, modern look and supports our precious local ecology.

It's also incredibly easy-care!

Stand out with the fun, funky texture of Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) tree. As your tree matures, you'll cherish the look of the distinctive bark that peels in long strips up and away from the trunk.

Use this tree for shade, and to provide a fabulous focal point you can be proud of. These valuable native trees live for centuries!

Over time, the trunk develops straight and tall, and the canopy develops into a showy, architectural feature. Lower branches droop romantically; while middle branches are held horizontally and the upper set of branches remain upright.

Its bold-textured branch structure and thick twigs give it a striking appearance in winter. This winter interest is complimented by the incredible narrow-plated exfoliating bark.

A mature Shagbark Hickory is a magnificent sight. Huge, compound leaves rustle majestically in the breeze, and lend a wonderfully tropical air to the tree.

In spring, you'll be excited to welcome them back again. New leaves emerge a light rose-pink and age to green for summer.

They are easy to clean up in fall, too! As the nights grow cooler, the foliage develops a very welcome golden color that gleams in the sun.

Once the tree reaches about 40 years of age, it will start to produce edible nuts in periodic mast years. The thick husks split along their ribs and a large, sweet nut can be enjoyed by both people and local wildlife.

Hickory wood is hard, heavy, strong, and very flexible, and has been traditionally used for high-force applications like tool handles and baseball bats. It's also excellent firewood, with a high value of BTU.

This special tree is an admirable choice. You'll be gifting the world, and getting wonderful shade in return.

Our tree experts love these trees. Order Shagbark Hickory from Nature Hills today!

How to Use Shagbark Hickory in the Landscape

First, decide on your favorite nickname for your young tree. Shagbark hickory trees are also called Shellbark, Bigleaf Shagbark, Kingnut, Big Shellbark, Bottom Shellbark, Thick Shellbark, and Western Shellbark.

This tree can be used even on smaller modern lots. Please give it plenty of room to reach their mature height and spread listed on the Plant Highlights.

Plant one on the south or southwestern of your property. Relish the refreshing shade and lower your air conditioning costs.

We like easy landscaping, don't you? You'll never worry about litter if you create a mulched planting bed to feature your Shagbark.

Place your entertainment area 20 feet away from the tree on the north side. Rest and recharge in its cool shade with family and friends.

On a larger property, pair with Oak trees to create a slice of natural North American forest on your property. Manage it as either a food forest, or timber stand for long-term income.

These trees are an investment with sweet nuts that are large, edible and delicious. Both people and wildlife can enjoy them.

As with other edible nuts, squirrels compete with humans for this fruit. You'll typically have a mast year periodically, so make the most of it!

#ProPlantTips for Care

In the wild, Shagbark Hickory can be found in both wet and dry areas, but prefers well-drained soils. It needs full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Create a raised mound for planting, if you have soggy soil. Bring in additional soil at least 18 inches high by three feet wide, and plant in that mound.

Nature Hills Root Booster will optimize growth with valuable mycorrhizal fungus and other time-tested ingredients. Follow instructions on the packet while planting to support the tiny feeder roots ability to access nutrients and water. It never "wears out", but helps the tree over its whole life span.

GIve trees a consistent amount of medium water. This "ounce of prevention" keeps your tree stress-free, improving their health and resistance to pests and disease.

Prune in late winter. Don't grind any pruned limbs, cut them for excellent firewood. Use a few chips while smoking meat for that outstanding Hickory flavor!

Sure, you'll have an interesting tree that shades your and your crew in the height of summertime. But with Shagbark Hickory...you'll also become a positive force for conserving our natural resources. Feel good about this thoughtful choice. Order Shagbark Hickory today!

Buying Options for Plants

Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.

Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!

Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.

  • Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
  • Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.

Nature Hills Container Size by Volume

Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.

Young Plants to 18 Months
Size Volume
2"x2"x3" Ranges from .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume
4.5" Container Equal to .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume
Sprinter Pot Equal to .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume
4" Container Ranges from .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume
6" Container Equal to 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume
1 Quart Equal to 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume
5.5" Container Equal to 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x5" Ranges from .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x6" Ranges from 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x9" Ranges from 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x10" Ranges from 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume
Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old
Size Volume
2 Quart Equal to 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume
#1 Container Ranges from 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume
5"x5"x12" Equal to 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume
Plants 2 - 4 Years Old
Size Volume
#2 Container Ranges from 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume
#3 Container Ranges from 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume
Plants 3 - 5 Years Old
Size Volume
#5 Container Ranges from 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume
#6 Container Ranges from 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume
#7 Container Ranges from 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume

About Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

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Plant Sentry

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.
Color Zone Times
3 Spring 2019
4 Now
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Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
0 - 19.99 24.99
20 - 49.99 29.99
50 - 69.99 34.99
70 - 99.99 39.99
100 - 129.99 44.99
130 - 149.99 48.99
150 - 150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

PLANT HIGHLIGHTS

Shagbark Hickory Is Suited to Grow in Zones 4-8
Growing Zones 4-8
More Information
Brand Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name Carya ovata
Type Deciduous
Mature Height 70 - 80 feet
Mature Spread 40 - 50 feet
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Soil Well Drained
Moisture Medium
Growth Rate Slow
Foliage Color Pink, Green
Fall Color Yellow
Pollinator Friendly No
Pruning Time Late Winter