Skip to content

Shagbark Hickory

Carya Ovata

Design with this plant

Overview

The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a striking deciduous tree, prized for its unique, peeling bark and pinnate leaves, reaching lengths up to 24 inches. Mature specimens stand 70-90 feet with canopy spreads up to 70 feet, encouraging placement in spacious landscapes. It yields edible nuts favored by wildlife and is valued for its hard, durable wood. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun, offering splendid golden fall foliage.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–10Climate Temperate
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a striking deciduous tree
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — Mature specimens stand 70-90 feet with canopy spreads up to 70 feetShagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — reaching lengths up to 24 inchesShagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a striking deciduous treeShagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a majestic deciduous hardwood treeShagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — providing striking textural interest for any landscape designShagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — Prefers well-drained soils and full sun, offering splendid golden fall foliage+51

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
5–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Juglandaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (58)

Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — peeling bark and pinnate leaves
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — Mature specimens stand 70-90 feet with canopy spreads up to 70 feet
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — reaching lengths up to 24 inches
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a striking deciduous tree
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a majestic deciduous hardwood tree
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — providing striking textural interest for any landscape design
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — Prefers well-drained soils and full sun, offering splendid golden fall foliage
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — It yields edible nuts favored by wildlife and is valued for its hard, durable wood
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — encouraging placement in spacious landscapes
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — consider its mature size: the Shagbark Hickory can reach lofty heights between 60 to 80 feet
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — with a canopy spread of 40 to 70 feet
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — As landscape architect assistants
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — when incorporating this North American native into your garden
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — turning to a golden hue in autumn
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — which allows it to be drought-resistant once established
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The tree's compound leaves are vibrant green
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — adding seasonal color to your garden
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — such as attracting a variety of wildlife; its nuts are a favorite for squirrels and other small mammals
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — Easy to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — and the tree's flowers support pollinators
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — <br><br>The Carya ovata provides ecological benefits
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a striking deciduous tree; mature specimens stand 70-90 feet with canopy spreads up to
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — peeling bark and pinnate leaves; when incorporating this North American native into your garden
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata) — the tree is adaptable to various soils but flourishes in well-drained

Related plants

Sand Hickory (Carya Pallida) — The Sand Hickory (Carya pallida) is a hardy deciduous tree, thriving in well-drained sandy soils

Sand Hickory

Carya Pallida

Full · Zones 5–10

Shellbark Hickory (Carya Laciniosa) — is a stately deciduous tree

Shellbark Hickory

Carya Laciniosa

Full · Zones 5–10

English Walnut (Juglans Regia) — scientifically referred to as Juglans regia

English Walnut

Juglans Regia

Full · Zones 4–10

Pignut (Carya Glabra) — straight trunk and rounded crown

Pignut

Carya Glabra

Full · Zones 5–10

Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra) — ridged bark and compound foliage; providing autumnal interest.<br><br>The tree's fruit

Black Walnut

Juglans Nigra

Full · Zones 4–10

California Walnut (Juglans Californica) — The California Walnut, Juglans californica, is a native, deciduous tree reaching up to 30 feet tall

California Walnut

Juglans Californica

Full · Zones 4–10