shagbark hickory

plant

Also known as: Carya ovata

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is a tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its sweet, edible nuts and its distinctive gray outer bark, which peels off in long strips, giving it a "shaggy" appearance. The wood of the shagbark hickory is also utilized. It is sometimes referred to as upland hickory. A similar species, the big shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa), also known as king nut, resembles the shagbark but has a significantly larger nut.123

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hickory
Major species
…“nuts” are those of the shagbark hickory (C. ovata), the shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa), and the mockernut hickory (C. tomentosa). The nuts of the bitternut hickory (C. cordiformis) and the water hickory (C. aquatica) are bitter-tasting and inedible, because the skin covering the kernels contains tannin
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…“nuts” are those of the shagbark hickory (C. ovata), the shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa), and the mockernut hickory (C. tomentosa). The nuts of the bitternut hickory (C. cordiformis) and the water hickory (C. aquatica) are bitter-tasting and inedible, because the skin covering the kernels contains tannin
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tree
Tree bark
…rough shinglelike outer covering of shagbark hickory (Carya ovata).
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…rough shinglelike outer covering of shagbark hickory (Carya ovata).
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