Carya ovata aka Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata, or shagbark hickory, is a large deciduous tree. It belongs to the walnut family, Juglandaceae. Its range spans eastern Canada, central and eastern America, and northeast Mexico. Garden trees often reach 70–90 feet [21–27 metres]. Their spread can reach 50–70 feet [15–21 metres]. RHS gives a smaller height of 66 feet [20 metres]. Some trees reach 120 feet [37 metres] or more. The straight trunk supports an oval or rounded crown.

The bark gives this tree its name and winter appeal. Long plates peel from the trunk as the tree ages. Their ends curl out from the grey or brown bark. The large, alternate leaves are pinnate, most with five leaflets. Some leaves have seven or nine leaflets. Each leaflet has a pointed tip and fine teeth. The leaves turn yellow, gold, or golden brown in fall. Crushed leaves have a scent that recalls apples.

Small green-yellow flowers appear in spring, often from April to May. One tree bears both male and female flowers. Male flowers hang in catkins; female flowers form short spikes. The round nuts ripen in fall within thick husks. Each husk splits into four parts to free the nut. People eat the sweet kernels raw or cooked. They also grind them for meal or make nut milk. The sweet sap can yield syrup. PFAF lists no known hazards, though this is not a full safety test.

Give this tree sun or part shade and deep, fertile soil. It prefers moist soil that drains well and contains humus. It can grow in sandy loam or clay loam. RHS lists acid, neutral, and alkaline soils as suitable. Once established, the tree can cope with drought. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–8; RHS rates it H6. Its deep taproot makes moving it hard. Sow ripe seeds where the trees will grow. NCSU notes that nuts may take 40 years to appear.

This tree suits parks, large yards, and naturalized sites. Its nuts feed wildlife, and its leaves support moths and butterflies. People use the hard wood for tools, furniture, and fuel. They also use it to smoke meat. Leaves, twigs, and nuts can create much litter. Serious pest trouble is rare, but beetles and weevils can attack. Twig girdlers and borers may also cause harm. Possible diseases include leaf spot, mildew, crown gall, and anthracnose.