Carya ovata

Common Name
Shagbark hickory
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
90.0
Growth Rate
Slow
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8

Photographer: Charles and Kathy Appell
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original Photo

Carya ovata leaf

Photographer: jeffwitters
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original Photo

Photographer: trailgreg
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original Photo

Additional Info

The bark of older trees has a shaggy appearance that provides winter interest in the landscape. The trunk may mature to 2-3 feet in diameter. The nuts produced are valued by wildlife and are sold commercially for humans. The wood has multiple uses including curing meat. It may take 40 years for this tree to produce nuts but it lives for 200-300 years of age.

Note: Use as a shade tree for a large yard, in a park or naturalized area. 

Wildlife value: Host plant for Banded Hairstreak butterfly and many moths including the Luna moth.  The nuts are eaten by a variety of wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks, and black bears. Moderately resistant to deer. This plant supports Hickory Horndevil larvae

Edibility: Nuts are edible and sweet.

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
May
Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
200
Top 30 for Pollen Specialist Bees?
Yes
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

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Nurseries that may carry live plant
Carries Seeds (may not be available)