shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)
First place champion shagbark hickory in Loveland.
Species info:
Leaves: Alternate, pinnately compound, 8–14 inches long, usually with five (rarely seven) finely toothed leaflets; deep yellow-green in summer, turning rich yellow to golden brown in fall
Leaflets: 5 (occasionally 7); each ½–2½ inches wide, finely toothed
Leaf Surface: Smooth and glossy above, slightly paler beneath
Bark: Smooth and gray when young; exfoliates with age into long, loose, flat plates attached in the middle or at one end, creating a characteristic “shaggy” appearance
Flowers: Inconspicuous; male and female flowers appear separately on the same tree in spring
Fruit: Nearly round nuts 1–1½ inches in diameter; enclosed in a four-valved husk that turns brownish-black and splits open at maturity; edible white nuts inside are sweet and pointed at one end
Botanical: Carya ovata
Family: Juglandaceae
Mature Height: 60–80 feet (occasionally up to 120 feet)
Canopy Spread: 30–40 feet
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Tree Shape: Straight, cylindrical trunk with a narrow, upright, oblong crown
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Edible, sweet
Fall Color: Rich yellow to golden brown; very attractive
Water Use: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soils and humid climates
Hardiness: Zones 4–8
Soil Preference: Adaptable but grows best in deep, rich, well-drained loams
Wildlife Value: Nuts are a valuable food source for squirrels, chipmunks, bears, rabbits, foxes, and many birds
Pests/Pathogens: Hickory bark beetle is the most serious pest; other insects generally cause limited harm; Canker rot, crown gall, mildew, and anthracnose are common; most others are minor
Notable Traits: Distinctive shaggy bark makes it easily identifiable; wood is strong, hard, and shock-resistant—used for furniture, flooring, and tool handles; produces excellent firewood and charcoal with a rich smoky aroma
Planting recommendation: Limited use due to deep taproot and slow growth; difficult to transplant
Information Sources:
Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990)
Erv Evans, Carya ovata -- Tree Fact Sheet (North Carolina State University)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Common Trees of Pennsylvania -- Shagbark Hickory
Silvics Manual Volume 2 -- Hardwoods, Agricultural Handbook 654 (USDA Forest Service)
