Blog  November 3, 2011

Tall and tasty shagbark hickory

The varied faces of shagbark hickory (Photos: Court Noxon)

Ever wonder about those large deciduous trees with the peeling bark? They might be Carya ovate, a member of the walnut family found in Ontario and Quebec. Living up to 200 years, shagbark hickory can grow over 25 metres tall in a variety of soil, light and moisture conditions.

With very hard and strong wood, this tree was used to make spokes for wooden wheels and boasts a higher fuel value (when burning) than any other tree in North America, behind only locust.

Rather than seeking it out for firewood, however, enjoy its tasty nuts, a favourite of squirrels and birds, its fall foliage and the interesting peeling bark of mature trees.

Learn more about shagbark hickory and other native trees we love on the Native Plant Database.