Carya ovata, the shagbark hickory, is a common hickory native to eastern North America, with two varieties. The trees can grow to quite a large size but are unreliable in their fruit output. The nut is consumed by wildlife and historically by Native Americans, who also used the wood. Learn everything about Shagbark Hickory, a native deciduous hardwood tree with edible nuts, beautiful lumber, and diverse wildlife value. Find out how to identify, grow, care, and germinate this tree, and where to buy it. As a member of the walnut family, shagbark hickory produces edible nuts. Plant a shagbark hickory, a long-lived large tree with a straight trunk, in a large landscape for excellent shade. This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Wilhelm and Rericha’s Flora of the Chicago Region. Its bold-textured, jagged branch structure and thick twigs give it a striking appearance in winter. A native to most of the Eastern United States, Shagbark Hickory is a climax forest tree in well-drained, moist to dry woodland soils. It grows to 100 feet tall by 40 feet wide when found in the open. Shagbark hickories can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best on moist soils in humid climates. They are not found in pure stands, but instead are usually scattered throughout a forest of oaks, pines, and maples. · Shagbark hickory tree (Carya ovata) is known for its distinctive bark and versatile uses. Learn how to identify it, harvest its nuts, and utilize its wood and sap.
