Shagbark Hickory

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.