Carya ovata 
Shagbark hickory
 
If you have space for a few trees, put Carya ovata on your shortlist.
 
You’ll need a decent amount of space for this stately tree, with most reaching 60-80 feet, and some up to 120 ft, with a canopy to match. The strong, straight trunk features bark that peels in long, flat strips, lending a shaggy look which provides interest year round, hence Shagbark Hickory.
 
As with most trees, the hickory is slow growing, and chances are we won’t reap the full benefits in our lifetime. The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore once said “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
 
So plant those trees (they produce more hickory nuts when they can cross-pollinate!) and look forward to the grandchildren sitting in their shade, eating the tasty hickory nuts that ripen in the fall.
 
Use: The shagbark hickory nut is buttery and sweet, although the flavor is improved through toasting or roasting. Use as you would any other tree nut.
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up).
All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase.
 
Photo 1 courtesy of Dan Wilder