treeN. America Native

Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

960 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived, 200+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, nuts are edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Carya ovata is a large, deciduous tree famed for its unique, shaggy bark that peels away in long, curving strips. It has a slow to medium growth rate and produces sweet, edible nuts. The most distinctive feature is its 'shagbark' which provides dramatic winter interest and texture. The golden-yellow fall color is also exceptionally beautiful.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A magnificent shade tree with a unique character. The peeling, shaggy bark provides unparalleled texture and visual interest, especially in the winter landscape. Its golden fall foliage is a seasonal highlight.

The wood is highly valued for its strength, hardness, and flexibility, used for tool handles, furniture, and for smoking meats. The sweet nuts are a delicious and nutritious food source for humans.

A keystone species in eastern forests. It is a host plant for the larvae of several large moths, including the Luna Moth. The nuts are a critical food source for squirrels, turkeys, bears, and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and deep, rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Carefully place the tree, ensuring the root flare is at or above soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle out air pockets.
Water deeply and regularly for the first few years to establish the taproot.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Due to its very long taproot, plant a young tree in its permanent location and avoid transplanting it later.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Water deeply during prolonged droughts, especially when young.
Protect young trees from deer browse with trunk guards.
Be patient; it is a slow-growing but long-lived tree.

Don't

Don't plant in shallow, compacted, or poorly drained soils.
Avoid planting near buildings or pavement due to its size and falling nuts.
Don't attempt to transplant an established tree.
Don't over-fertilize; it thrives in average soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic specimen tree for large landscapesArchitectural winter interest with shaggy barkValuable wildlife and food forest tree

Companion Plants

Quercus alba Acer saccharum Fagus grandifolia Asimina triloba Lindera benzoin

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shagbark Hickory questions

What zones can Shagbark Hickory grow in?

Shagbark Hickory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shagbark Hickory deer resistant?

Yes — Shagbark Hickory is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shagbark Hickory bloom?

Shagbark Hickory typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shagbark Hickory need full sun?

Shagbark Hickory does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shagbark Hickory drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shagbark Hickory handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.