- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 70 - 90 Feet
- Mature Spread 50 - 70 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Known as the strongest of American hardwoods – more durable than even oak – hickory trees are tough and enduring; Shagbark Hickory is no different. Featuring showy flowers, foliage, and bark, plus sweet-tasting hickory nuts, this low maintenance perennial has an average lifespan of 200 years! With delicate terminal clusters of chartreuse florets that bloom in the spring accompanied by medium leaves that change color from deep green to gold during the fall, this tree, otherwise known as Carya ovata, Scalybark Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, and Upland Hickory produces interest from March until September. Growing to a maximum height of 70 to 90 feet and a spread of 50 to 70 feet, this cultivar, bred by American Beauties Native Plants, is a superb, slow-growing shade tree. Attracting many hungry pollinators to include butterflies and bees, this ornamental does not only add color and texture to a landscape but it improves the environment as well.
Native to Canada and the United States, Shagbark Hickory grows upright and slowly. Producing delicious nuts that can be used to make pies, cakes, and nut milks, this ornamental will be the talk of the neighborhood in the fall. In spite of being relatively deer resistant, rodents like to munch this perennial’s roots; adding some type of protection around the base of the tree is recommended until it becomes established. A deciduous tree, this tall ornamental provides interest from spring until fall. Its low-maintenance profile makes this shade tree a great option for any busy newbie gardener wanting to upgrade their yard.
Shagbark Hickory Care
While tolerating partial shade, Shagbark Hickory thrives when planted in full sun. Choose a spot where you would like to create shade, for example, along a street adjacent to your yard. A superb specimen tree, ensure that this perennial has sufficient area to expand. Also, choose a spot that is at least 50 feet away from any overhead power lines. Plant this ornamental in a hole roughly the size of the root ball in loamy, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. If needed, amend the soil with peat moss/coco coir to lower the pH and improve the nutrient content. Apply a 2-3-inch ring of compost/mulch around the base of the tree to encourage faster growth. Until this ornamental is established, water Shagbark Hickory weekly.
Shagbark Hickory does not require frequent pruning. However, if the branches appear overcrowded, thin this ornamental by trimming any dead, diseased, and/or damaged branches. Doing so will encourage growth and deter disease by improving air circulation and access to sunlight in the inner areas of this shade tree.
Shagbark Hickory Spacing
Whether planted as a specimen, in a garden, or in a group, Shagbark Hickory needs about 30 to 50 feet of space to reach its mature spread. Excellent companion plants include bee balm, evening primrose, and sedum.
Shagbark Hickory Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 70 - 90 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 50 - 70 Feet |
| Spacing: 30 - 50 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Brown, Green |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Mar, Apr, May, Jun |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
| Foliage Description: Golden Fall Color |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest |
| Watering: Low |
| Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Edging, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Shagbark Hickory |
| Other Name(s): Shagbark Hickory |
| Scientific Name: Carya ovata |
- SKU:
- 1231013274-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations