Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) grows into a large tree with a very deep taproot. Once established, it is a superb shade tree. With large edible nuts and strong wood, this tree is great for forests or areas that don’t need mowing, as it provides habitat for insects, birds, mammals, and humans!

Shagbark hickory is part of the Assisted Tree Range Expansion Project (ATREP); it’s found just a few counties south of Grand Traverse, and may assist with habitat stability in the face of Climate Change.

Photos: tree by Susan Sweeney, bark by Ekem, leaves by Derek Harper, nuts by Andre Abrahami, seedlings by GTCD

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

(per-bundle pricing displayed below. multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.)

Bundle of 5: $39

Bundle of 10: $63

Bundle of 25: $118

Bundle of 50: $197

STATS ON SHAGBARK HICKORY

• Mature Height:  70-90 ft

• Mature Width:  50-70 ft

• Soil Type:  Loam, Moist, Well-drained

• Moisture: Moderate

• Sun:  Full Sun, Part Shade

• Growth Rate:  Slow

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SHAGBARK HICKORY

• Sweet nuts grow in thick shells.

• Shaggy bark is a good overwintering place for beneficial insects, and shed pieces can be used to smoke foods.

• Excellent food for wildlife, from birds and mammals to the insects that feed baby birds.

• Strong wood holds up to storm winds, and is valuable for building and tool handles.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO SHAGBARK HICKORY

HELP CONTROL INVASIVES!

Shagbark Hickory makes an excellent alternative to invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is weedy, toxic to other species, and fails to provide habitat for native birds and butterflies.