Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory

A large deciduous tree native throughout the eastern United States and adjacent regions in Canada. Plants are aptly named for the handsome, gray bark that exfoliates in sizeable plates on mature plants. The compound leaves are soft green during the growing season transitioning to bright butter yellow tones in fall. Autumn also brings large crops of hickory nuts which provide important forage for many wildlife species as well as a nice snack for hungry humans. The wood is dense and hard making it a prime material for tool handles and other implements that require strength. Plants are excellent for naturalizing and for attracting wildlife. They have a prominent taproot so should be transplanted when young and grown in deep, fertile soils.