A standout among hickories! As a host for a wide array of insects and with large, sweet nuts, shagbark is a cornerstone of healthy forests. Trees tend toward rich, golden to copper brown colors in fall and, with room and time, form magnificent spreading canopies. Slow growth and a long lifespan make it a a gift of both form and function for future generations. 

Pollination: Self pollinating.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Clay Loam, Sandy Loam

Height: 70’-90’

Width: 50’-70’

Bloom Color: -

Bloom Time: Apr-May

Fruit: Large hickory nuts in a thick hull mature in fall.

Fall Color: Yellow, Orange

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts meany insects including the banded hairstreak and hickory hairstreak butterflies, the luna and walnut sphinx moths, treehoppers, leafhoppers, borers, and many smaller insects. Exclusive host to the Angus, Judith, and residua underwing moths. Nuts are sought after by wildlife including small mammals, pheasants, turkey, jays, woodpeckers, and black bear. The multitude of insects it hosts makes it attractive to insect eating birds including vireos, chickadees, gnatcatchers, and warblers.

Notes: Fruit is among the largest and sweetest of hickory nuts. Slow growing, can take 40 years to produce nuts. Immature plants don’t have shaggy bark. Wood is valued in the timber industry.