SafePlants

Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa)

The Shellbark Hickory, scientifically known as Carya laciniosa, is a majestic tree also recognized by several common names, including shagbark hickory, bigleaf shagbark hickory, kingnut, big shellbark, bottom shellbark, thick shellbark, and western shellbark. It's lauded for its edible nuts and distinctive shaggy bark.

Considerations for Pets

• The text explicitly mentions that the Shellbark Hickory is "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carya laciniosa (Michx. f.) G. Don
• Family: Juglandaceae (Walnut Family)
• Synonyms: Carya sulcata, Juglans laciniosa, Kingnut, Big Shagbark Hickory
• French Name: Caryer lacini

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern United States, ranging from New York to Iowa and south to Tennessee and Oklahoma.
• Primarily found in the Ohio River Valley.
• Typically inhabits moist bottomlands and rich soils.
• Rare in North Carolina, with a few known stands, including one in Durham County.
• Also found in the mildest regions of Ontario.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A large, deciduous lowland tree.
• Grows to a height of 60-80 feet (18-24 meters) with a spread of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters).
• Has a slow growth rate but can become a massive tree.
• Bark is shaggy, similar to Shagbark Hickory but sometimes less so, separating into broad plates.
• Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, larger than those of the Shagbark Hickory, with more leaflets.
• Produces the largest hickory nuts among true hickories.
• Heartwood is light to medium brown with a reddish hue, while sapwood is a paler yellowish brown.
• Monoecious, producing separate staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers.
• Displays yellow fall color.

Ecological Role

• The nuts are an important food source for various wildlife, including wild mammals, ducks, quail, and eastern chipmunks (5-10% of their diet).
• Its nuts have extreme palatability, so it relies on wide dispersal by animals.
• Forms part of oak-hickory forests.

Uses

• The wood is hard, heavy, strong, and flexible, making it suitable for tool handles.
• The nuts are edible and can be eaten raw or baked in pies, similar to pecans.
• The nuts split on their own when fully ripe and have a flavor similar to pecans.

Quirky Facts

• Shellbark Hickory nuts are the largest of any hickory species.
• The species name, laciniosa, refers to the platy bark that separates into broad plates.

Further Information

• Arborday.org provides information on size, height, growth rate, sun, and soil preference.
• The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees.
• ESFTV Trees with Don Leopold video.