{"id":592,"date":"2026-10-09T14:43:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T18:43:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=592"},"modified":"2026-10-09T14:43:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T18:43:57","slug":"shagbark-hickory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/shagbark-hickory\/","title":{"rendered":"Shagbark Hickory"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Carya<\/span> ovata<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Shagbark Hickory is one of the most distinctive native hardwood trees in eastern North America. Known for its long, peeling strips of bark, nutrient-rich<\/span> nuts,<\/span> and<\/span> exceptional<\/span> wildlife<\/span> value,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> characteristic<\/span> species<\/span> of<\/span> mature<\/span> Appalachian<\/span> forests.<\/span> Its<\/span> rugged<\/span> appearance<\/span> and<\/span> unmistakable<\/span> bark<\/span> make<\/span> it<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> easiest<\/span> trees<\/span> to<\/span> recognize<\/span> during<\/span> any<\/span> season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like<\/span> other<\/span> hickories,<\/span> Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> long-lived<\/span> tree<\/span> that<\/span> contributes<\/span> to<\/span> forest<\/span> diversity,<\/span> wildlife<\/span> habitat,<\/span> and<\/span> the<\/span> cultural<\/span> history<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> region.<\/span> Its<\/span> strong<\/span> wood<\/span> and<\/span> edible<\/span> nuts<\/span> have<\/span> made<\/span> it<\/span> valuable<\/span> to<\/span> both<\/span> people<\/span> and<\/span> wildlife<\/span> for<\/span> centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Alternate<\/span> leaf<\/span> arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Compound<\/span> leaves<\/span> with<\/span> 5<\/span> leaflets,<\/span> occasionally<\/span> 7<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Terminal<\/span> leaflet<\/span> noticeably<\/span> larger<\/span> than<\/span> the<\/span> others<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dark<\/span> green<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Golden<\/span> yellow<\/span> fall<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Gray<\/span> bark<\/span> that<\/span> peels<\/span> away<\/span> in<\/span> long,<\/span> loose<\/span> strips<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Creates<\/span> the<\/span> tree’s<\/span> distinctive<\/span> shaggy<\/span> appearance<\/span><\/li>\n
    • One<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> recognizable<\/span> bark<\/span> patterns<\/span> among<\/span> native<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Flowers<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Produces<\/span> male<\/span> and<\/span> female<\/span> flowers<\/span> in<\/span> spring<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Male<\/span> flowers<\/span> occur<\/span> as<\/span> drooping<\/span> catkins<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Female<\/span> flowers<\/span> appear<\/span> in<\/span> small<\/span> clusters<\/span> near<\/span> branch<\/span> tips<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Wind-pollinated<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Round<\/span> nuts<\/span> enclosed<\/span> in<\/span> thick<\/span> green<\/span> husks<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Husks<\/span> split<\/span> into<\/span> four<\/span> sections<\/span> when<\/span> mature<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Nuts<\/span> ripen<\/span> in<\/span> autumn<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Kernels<\/span> are<\/span> sweet<\/span> and<\/span> edible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 60<\/span> to<\/span> 80<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Can<\/span> exceed<\/span> 100<\/span> feet<\/span> under<\/span> favorable<\/span> conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 40<\/span> to<\/span> 60<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> eastern<\/span> North<\/span> America<\/span> and<\/span> occurs<\/span> throughout<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia.<\/span> It<\/span> grows<\/span> in<\/span> rich<\/span> upland<\/span> forests,<\/span> stream<\/span> valleys,<\/span> bottomlands,<\/span> and<\/span> woodland<\/span> edges,<\/span> often<\/span> alongside<\/span> oaks,<\/span> maples,<\/span> beeches,<\/span> and<\/span> other<\/span> Appalachian<\/span> hardwoods.<\/span><\/p>\n

            The<\/span> species<\/span> prefers<\/span> deep,<\/span> well-drained<\/span> soils<\/span> but<\/span> adapts<\/span> to<\/span> a<\/span> variety<\/span> of<\/span> site<\/span> conditions<\/span> across<\/span> its<\/span> range.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> is<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> valuable<\/span> wildlife<\/span> trees<\/span> in<\/span> eastern<\/span> forests.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> nuts<\/span> provide<\/span> food<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Squirrels<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Chipmunks<\/span><\/li>\n
            • White-tailed<\/span> deer<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Black<\/span> bears<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Wild<\/span> turkeys<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Wood<\/span> ducks<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Various<\/span> small<\/span> mammals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              The loose bark<\/span> also<\/span> provides<\/span> important<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife.<\/span> Several<\/span> bat<\/span> species,<\/span> including<\/span> the<\/span> Indiana<\/span> Bat<\/span> and<\/span> Northern<\/span> Long-eared<\/span> Bat,<\/span> may<\/span> use<\/span> spaces<\/span> beneath<\/span> the<\/span> peeling<\/span> bark<\/span> as<\/span> summer<\/span> roosting<\/span> habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The<\/span> tree<\/span> supports<\/span> numerous<\/span> native<\/span> insects<\/span> and<\/span> contributes<\/span> significantly<\/span> to<\/span> forest<\/span> biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

              Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> has<\/span> long<\/span> been<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> both<\/span> its<\/span> nuts<\/span> and<\/span> its<\/span> exceptionally<\/span> strong<\/span> wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The<\/span> wood<\/span> is<\/span> commonly<\/span> used<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Tool<\/span> handles<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Sporting<\/span> equipment<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Flooring<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Cabinetry<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Firewood<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> strength<\/span> and<\/span> shock<\/span> resistance,<\/span> hickory<\/span> wood<\/span> has<\/span> historically<\/span> been<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> important<\/span> hardwoods<\/span> for<\/span> tools<\/span> and<\/span> equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

                The<\/span> nuts<\/span> are<\/span> edible<\/span> and<\/span> have<\/span> been<\/span> harvested<\/span> for<\/span> centuries<\/span> for<\/span> baking,<\/span> cooking,<\/span> and<\/span> direct<\/span> consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Hickory<\/span> wood<\/span> is<\/span> also<\/span> widely<\/span> used<\/span> for<\/span> smoking<\/span> meats<\/span> because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> distinctive<\/span> aroma.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Shagbark Hickory contributes<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> diversity<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum<\/span> and<\/span> provides<\/span> visitors<\/span> with<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> easiest<\/span> native<\/span> trees<\/span> to<\/span> identify.<\/span> Its<\/span> shaggy<\/span> bark<\/span> creates<\/span> year-round<\/span> interest,<\/span> while<\/span> its<\/span> nuts<\/span> support<\/span> wildlife<\/span> throughout<\/span> the<\/span> campus<\/span> landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

                As<\/span> a<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> native<\/span> species,<\/span> Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span> helps<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> ecological<\/span> richness<\/span> of<\/span> Appalachian<\/span> hardwood<\/span> forests<\/span> and<\/span> demonstrates<\/span> the<\/span> important<\/span> relationships<\/span> between<\/span> trees,<\/span> wildlife,<\/span> and<\/span> people.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Shagbark<\/span> Hickory<\/span>
                \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Carya<\/span> ovata<\/span><\/em>
                \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Juglandaceae<\/span>
                \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> Native<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 60-80<\/span> feet<\/span> (occasionally<\/span> 100+<\/span> feet)<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 40-60<\/span> feet<\/span>
                \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Slow<\/span> to<\/span> Moderate<\/span>
                \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span>
                \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Rich,<\/span> moist,<\/span> well-drained<\/span> soils<\/span>
                \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 4-8<\/span>
                \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> April<\/span> to<\/span> May<\/span>
                \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Edible<\/span> nuts<\/span> enclosed<\/span> in<\/span> thick<\/span> husks<\/span> that<\/span> split<\/span> open<\/span> at<\/span> maturity<\/span>
                \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Important<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals;<\/span> peeling<\/span> bark<\/span> provides<\/span> roosting<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> bats<\/span>
                \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Shaggy<\/span> peeling<\/span> bark,<\/span> edible<\/span> nuts,<\/span> exceptionally<\/span> strong<\/span> wood,<\/span> and<\/span> high<\/span> wildlife<\/span> value<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Carya ovata Overview The Shagbark Hickory is one of the most distinctive native hardwood trees in eastern North America. Known for its long, peeling strips of bark, nutrient-rich nuts, and exceptional wildlife value, it is a characteristic species of mature Appalachian forests. Its rugged appearance and unmistakable bark make it one of the easiest trees<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-592","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=592"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":593,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/592\/revisions\/593"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}