CARYA OVATA / SHAGBARK HICKORY

CARYA OVATA / SHAGBARK HICKORY

A Majestic Tree with Shaggy Bark and Sweet Nuts

Carya ovata, commonly known as Shagbark Hickory, is a large deciduous tree native to North America. Renowned for its distinctive, peeling bark that forms long, shaggy strips, this tree is a striking presence in any landscape. It produces large, sweet nuts that are highly valued by wildlife, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. Shagbark Hickory is well-suited for various soil types and provides stunning golden yellow fall foliage, making it an excellent choice for larger landscapes and naturalized areas.

Why Choose Shagbark Hickory?

• Delicious Nuts: Produces large, sweet nuts that are favored by wildlife like squirrels, birds, and other small mammals.

• Distinctive Shaggy Bark: The tree's peeling bark creates a unique texture and visual interest, especially in winter.

• Vibrant Fall Color: Offers brilliant yellow foliage in the fall, enhancing the seasonal beauty of your landscape.

• Wildlife-Friendly: The nuts provide a valuable food source for various wildlife, while the tree itself offers shelter.

Key Features

• Nuts: Large, sweet-tasting nuts with a hard shell that provide food for wildlife.

• Bark: Shaggy, peeling bark that offers year-round visual interest and texture.

• Growth Habit: A large, upright tree, typically growing 60–80 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8, adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil conditions.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Typically grows 60–80 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8, making it suitable for various climates and soil types.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, loamy soils but is adaptable to dry or moist conditions.

Ideal Uses

• Large Gardens and Landscapes: A perfect tree for adding height and structure to larger gardens or properties.

• Woodland Gardens: Shagbark Hickory fits beautifully in woodland or naturalized settings, adding texture and interest.

• Wildlife Gardens: Its nuts provide a nutritious food source for a variety of wildlife, and its branches offer shelter.

• Shade Tree: Its large canopy makes it ideal for providing shade in parks, large yards, or urban spaces.

Carya ovata, or Shagbark Hickory, is a majestic and resilient tree that brings beauty, texture, and wildlife benefits to any landscape. With its sweet nuts, vibrant fall color, and unique shaggy bark, it’s a standout choice for larger gardens, naturalized areas, and wildlife habitats.

NATIVE TO ONTARIO