Shagbark hickory Carya ovata (F)
ABOUT
C. ovata is a broadly conical, deciduous tree to 20m tall, with ornamental, peeling grey to brown bark. The large leaves usually have five leaflets and turn golden yellow in autumn. Flowers in spring with the male catkins up to 12cm long. Thick-shelled nuts up to 6cm long are edible when ripe
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shagbark Hickory, Scalybark Hickory, Upland Hickory, Shellbark Hickory.
Common names
Carya alba, Hicoria ovata.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
70 feet 21 meters
Spread
50 feet 15 meters
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Nuts: The shagbark hickory produces edible nuts that are sought after for their distinctive taste and can be used in various culinary applications.
- Wildlife Habitat: This tree provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and deer.
- Wood Production: Shagbark hickory is valued for its hard, durable wood, which is commonly used for tool handles, furniture, and flooring.
- Soil Improvement: As a deep-rooted species, shagbark hickory helps in soil stabilization and can improve soil structure over time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its distinctive shaggy bark and attractive foliage, the shagbark hickory adds visual interest to landscapes throughout the seasons.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like other trees, shagbark hickory plays a role in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration efforts.
- Maple Syrup Alternative: Sap from shagbark hickory can be collected and processed into syrup, offering an alternative to traditional maple syrup.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The bark of the shagbark hickory is believed to contain compounds with antioxidant properties.
- Antidiarrheal: Historically, Native Americans used the bark to treat diarrhea.
- Astringent: The bark's astringent properties were also utilized for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: Shagbark hickory wood is valued for its strength and shock resistance, making it ideal for tool handles, furniture, and flooring.
- Smoking Meat: Chips made from the wood of Shagbark hickory lend a distinct flavor to smoked meats and are popular in culinary practices, especially barbecue.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, with its nuts being especially important for squirrels, chipmunks, and some birds.
- Erosion Control: Shagbark hickory's deep and extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to landslides.
- Dye Production: The bark has historically been used to extract a natural dye, which can color fabrics a dark brown or black shade.
- Edible Nuts: The tree produces edible nuts that can be consumed raw, roasted, or used as an ingredient in various culinary dishes.
- Decorative Veneer: The wood is sometimes used as a decorative veneer for panels and inlays, adding aesthetic value to interior design elements.
- Fuel: The dense wood provides excellent firewood, burning slowly with a high heat output.
- Landscaping: The tree's distinctive shaggy bark and attractive fall foliage make it a popular choice for ornamental and landscape plantings.
- Sap Syrup: Less common than maple syrup, the sap from Shagbark hickory can also be used to produce a sweet syrup.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Carya ovata, commonly known as the Shagbark Hickory, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Shagbark Hickory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Carya ovata, commonly known as the Shagbark Hickory, has a tough, durable wood that represents strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Flexibility: Despite its hardiness, the wood of the Shagbark Hickory is also flexible, signifying adaptability and the capacity to bend without breaking.
- Longevity: This tree has a long lifespan, which can be seen as a symbol of persistence and enduring presence over time.
- Protection: Native American tribes used the Shagbark Hickory's wood for making tools and weapons, symbolizing protection and defense.
- Nourishment: The nuts of the Shagbark Hickory are edible, making the tree a symbol of sustenance and providing for one's needs.
WaterThe Shagbark Hickory should be watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Young trees require more frequent watering, about an inch of water once a week, while established trees can be watered once a month with around 2 gallons depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure proper drainage and allow the soil surface to dry to the touch before watering again.
LightThe Shagbark Hickory thrives best under full sunlight conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is best planted in a location where it can receive unfiltered, direct sunlight throughout most of the day to ensure optimal growth and nut production.
TemperatureThe Shagbark Hickory can survive in temperatures ranging from -20°F to 100°F. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 70°F and 85°F during the growing season. However, it has a good tolerance for winter cold and can withstand the lower end of temperatures well.
PruningPruning Shagbark Hickory is often done to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches and improve its structural integrity. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It should be pruned every 3 to 5 years, focusing on removing lower limbs that may be obstructing walkways or compromising the tree's form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) thrives in well-draining, deep soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter like compost will create optimal conditions for root growth and health.
RepottingGenerally, the Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) does not require frequent repotting due to its size, and it grows well when left undisturbed for several years. Young trees might be repotted when root-bound, but mature Hickory trees are not typically repotted.
Humidity & MistingShagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderate level. There is no specific humidity requirement for this tree as it tolerates the ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in deep, fertile soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Carya ovata, commonly known as the shagbark hickory, begins with seed germination, which occurs when a hickory nut, after a period of dormancy and exposure to cool temperatures, sprouts in moist soil conditions. The seedling then grows roots and shoots, gradually developing into a sapling with leaves that engage in photosynthesis to fuel further growth. As the tree matures, it undergoes a juvenile phase where it establishes a strong root system and trunk before becoming reproductive. After several years, the shagbark hickory reaches maturity and begins to produce flowers; male flowers in catkins and female flowers in small spikes, which after pollination develop into hickory nuts. The tree enters its reproductive phase annually, usually from late spring to early summer, with nuts mature by autumn and potentially becoming a food source for wildlife or germinating to begin the cycle anew. Throughout its lifespan, which can exceed 200 years, the shagbark hickory will experience cycles of growth, reproduction, and dormancy, shedding leaves each fall and entering a period of rest during the winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagation for the Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is through seed. The best time to collect seeds is in the fall, typically from September to November, after they have fallen from the tree. It is important to stratify the seeds, which means exposing them to cold temperatures for a period before sowing to break seed dormancy and stimulate germination. This is most commonly done naturally by winter weather if the seeds are sown outdoors, or artificially by placing them in a refrigerator at temperatures between 33 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 to 4.4 degrees Celsius) for 90 to 120 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a prepared seedbed or in pots, with a thin cover of soil. Seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, which can take several weeks to a few months. Seedlings are typically ready to be transplanted after two years of growth.
