shagbark hickory
ExplorePlants
shagbark hickory
Carya ovata
The shagbark hickory is a tall tree with unique, shaggy bark that peels away in long strips. It produces tasty nuts that many animals love to eat!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The shagbark hickory has distinctive long, shaggy strips of light gray bark peeling away from its trunk, making it look rugged and unique. It features large, compound leaves with usually five broad leaflets and produces rounded, light-brown nuts encased in a thick, green husk.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyJuglandaceaeGenusCarya
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Early American pioneers sometimes used its shaggy bark to build temporary shelters or for kindling!
Its super tough wood is so flexible, it's used to make tool handles and even sports equipment!
The nuts have more protein and healthy fats than many other common tree nuts.
Wow! Some shagbark hickory trees have lived for over 300 years, silently watching history unfold!
Special abilities
Ability
Bark Armor
Shagbark hickory has thick, peeling bark that insulates its trunk, protecting it from fire and extreme weather.
Ability
Nut Powerhouse
Shagbark hickory produces highly nutritious, energy-rich nuts that provide essential food for many forest animals.
Ability
Deep Root Anchor
Shagbark hickory develops a strong taproot, anchoring it firmly against powerful winds and droughts.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2000-4000 cm
- Spread
- 1000-2000 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels store and eat its energy-rich nuts.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on young hickory shoots and fallen nuts.
shelters
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Woodpeckers nest in cavities within its large trunks.
eats
Luna Moth
Actias luna
Luna moth caterpillars feed on its leaves before pupating.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and watch out for falling nuts!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is shagbark hickory?
2000-4000 cm
How wide does shagbark hickory spread?
1000-2000 cm
How big are the flowers on shagbark hickory?
0.5-1 cm
When does shagbark hickory bloom?
Spring
Is shagbark hickory edible?
Yes
Is shagbark hickory toxic?
None
What is shagbark hickory's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is shagbark hickory pollinated?
Wind
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