shagbark hickory

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

70-90 ft. tall
50-70 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Fresh seed can be germinated immediately. stored seed should be cold moist stratified for up to 150 days. Older seed needs less stratification.

Plants/Diseases

Hickory bark beetle, pecan weevil, and twig girdler occasionally afflict this tree.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Alternate, palmately compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets that have serrate margins.

Flowers

Green to yellow catkins.

Fruit

Nut.

Bark

Dark grey or brown with significantly exfoliating bark.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Nuts are edible.

Ethnobotanical Use

The hardwood was historically used in wheel spokes. Bark was used to make a yellow die. High fuel value.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Largely rich moist bottomlands, but occasionally on dry upland flats.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the coastal plain, piedmont, and mountains.