- 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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.