shagbark

Shagbark hickory, scientifically known as Carya ovata, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically reaches 70–100 feet (21–30 meters) in height, with a stout trunk and a broad, rounded crown. The most distinctive feature is its bark, which peels away in long, irregular strips that give the trunk a shaggy appearance on older trees.

Leaves are pinnate, usually with five leaflets (rarely seven), each 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) long. Leaflets are oval with finely serrated margins. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring; male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. Fruits are nuts encased in a thick husk that splits into four sections when ripe in autumn. The kernels are edible and have a sweet, rich flavor when properly harvested and prepared.

Wood from shagbark hickory is hard, strong, and dense, valued for tool handles, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and other heavy-use applications. It has long been sought for smoking and woodworking due to its durability and workability.

Ecologically, shagbark hickory is a component of oak–hickory forest communities and provides important mast for wildlife, including squirrels and various birds. It prefers well‑drained, fertile soils but tolerates a range of conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. The species is not generally endangered and is cultivated as an ornamental tree in suitable climates.