Shagbark Hickory

Shagbark hickory is a native nut tree with some of the best tasting nuts in the world. It is found all throughout the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of the Eastern U.S. It is less common in the Catskills, but these seedlings come from a large patch along the Delaware river, just 10 miles from our nursery. These seedlings are well adapted to our shorter seasons. Shagbark hickories are a minor component of floodplain forests along the Beaverkill River and are more common in the Eastern Catskills where soils are drier. 

This is one of our favorite trees for reforestation, as they have few diseases and pests and can tolerate more heat and drought better than many of the more common northern hardwoods in our area. It is best planted on sunny sites. They grow slowly at first, developing a strong root system. However around year 4 or 5, they will grow rapidly. 

Scientific name: Carya ovata

Moisture: medium to dry, well-drained

Sun: full to part