Carya ovata (Shagbark Hickory)

One of the most recognizable native trees thanks to its distinctive shaggy bark, shagbark hickory pairs genuine heat, drought, and soil-compaction tolerance with real ecological value as a larval host for the striking Luna moth and Hickory Horned Devil.

Species Overview

Carya ovata, or shagbark hickory, is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, growing up to 70 to 100 feet tall. It is best known for its distinctive shaggy bark, which peels off in long strips. Its compound leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, and it produces edible nuts that are highly valued by wildlife and humans alike. Shagbark hickory thrives in well-drained soils in forests and woodlands, often forming part of the hardwood canopy.

Application

• Upland hardwood forest restoration and long-term shade tree specification
• Wildlife habitat plantings - nuts are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, and black bears
• Larval host habitat for Luna moth, Hickory Horned Devil, and Banded Hairstreak butterfly
• Compacted or urban-adjacent sites where soil compaction tolerance matters

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry to moist, well-drained, fertile soils; wide soil-type tolerance
• Drought Tolerance: High - heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerant
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Occasionally found in rich bottomland sites and tolerates periodic wet soil, though it is more commonly an upland species than its relative pignut hickory.
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 50-80 ft. (occasionally to 100 ft.)
• Fall Color: Yellow - golden, drying to a warm bronze
• Bloom Color / Period: Green, Yellow; April-May
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland) - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region
• Native Range: Eastern and central United States and parts of Canada
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Root Depth: Very Deep (36 in.+) - deep taproot, notoriously difficult to transplant
• Growth Habit: Upright
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Deer Resistance: Some (Moderately Resistant)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant