Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

Form

A large tree; height 60 to 100 feet, diameter 1 to 2 feet; open, rounded crown with conspicuous shaggy bark.

Bark

Rougher than that of other hickories; shaggy, light grey and separates into thick, vertical strips that are only slightly attached to tree. Terminal winter buds are large, hairy and egg-shaped.

Leaf

Alternate; compound; length 8 to 15 inches and composed of 5 (rarely 7) ovate leaflets; end leaflet larger than other leaflets; margin of leaflet covered with fine teeth and numerous hairs.

Fruit

A nut borne singly or in pairs, globular in shape, enclosed in husk that is thick and deeply grooved at seams and splits entirely into 4 parts. Nuts compressed or flattened and light-brown colored; shell is thin and kernel is sweet.

Range

Found in the southern part of the state on moist, rich soils and well-drained hillsides.

Wood

Light brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood; heavy, hard, tough and very strong; used largely in manufacture of agricultural implements and tool handles; makes very good fuel and is best of all woods for smoking meats. Nut is important wildlife food source.