Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is a classic North American hardwood known for its dramatic, peeling bark and its sweet, edible nuts. If you have room for a long-lived shade tree, this species brings strong seasonal interest: fresh green compound leaves in spring and summer, golden tones in fall, and the signature shaggy bark that becomes more pronounced as the trunk matures.

Give your tree space to grow. Mature trees commonly reach about 70-90 feet tall with a broad crown, so plan for a generous planting area and avoid tight spots near foundations, sidewalks, and overhead lines. Plant in full sun to part shade for best growth, and choose a site with moist, well-drained soil; it can handle a range of soils once established but will appreciate deeper, loamy ground for steady development.

Because shagbark hickory develops a strong taproot, you will get the best results by planting young stock and minimizing root disturbance. Water regularly during the first growing season, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it establishes. Mulch a wide ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, keeping mulch pulled back from the trunk. Expect a slow growth rate and a tree that improves with age rather than racing to size.

In addition to its landscape presence, Carya ovata supports wildlife and can be a productive nut tree in the right setting. The nuts are valued by people and many animals, and the tree can be a great choice where you want a native canopy species that is also tolerant of black walnut conditions.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-8 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun
• Growth rate: Slow
• Mature height: 840-1080"
• Spread: 600-840"
• Grows Under Trees: Conifer - No, Walnut - Yes, Other - No
• Edible: Yes
• Native to the U.S.: Yes

Shipping

FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know hpw to control exactly when your order will be shipped.

Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- When We Ship
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
- Changing Your Shipping Date
- Accepting Delivery
- Unpacking Your Order
- Returns

Care