Carya ovata ~ Shagbark Hickory

Shagbark Hickory is a large native deciduous tree with an irregular oval-rounded crown and distinct exfoliating bark that develops sheets that curve away from the trunk.  The medium green compound leaves turn yellow and golden-brown in fall.  Non-showy gendered spring catkins can give way to husked nuts, but may take up to 40 yrs to start producing.  Grows best in full sun and rich, moist well-drained soils.  Carya ovata is a host plant for several butterfly and moth species, including the Banded Hairstreak, Luna Moth, and the Hickory Horned Devil. Type:  Tree Origins: Eastern N. America; GA Native Height:  70’ - 90’  Spread:  50’ - 70’ Spacing:  60’ USDA Hardiness Zone:  4 - 8 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Green Season of Interest:  Fall, Year-Round MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Difficult to transplant due to taproot.  Large trees can produce considerable litter with twigs, leaves, and nuts.   No serious di