Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)

Shagbark Hickory
(Carya ovata)

Researched by: Colin Knapp, Grosse Ile High School Student

General Characteristics:

Range: Found throughout most of the Eastern United States, Ontario and southern Quebec.

The bark on the tree has a cartoonish peeling/falling off style.

Produces large, edible hickory nuts.

Commercial Value:

The nuts can be crushed and burned to produce hickory smoke. This is used to cook meats such as bacon and brisket. The nuts can be also turned into cooking oil

Wildlife Value:

Host plant to butterflies. Used by bats. According to Illinois Wildflowers: A large number of insects feed on the wood, foliage, plant juices, and other parts of hickories

The tree is known for its shaggy bark that peels away in long strips, giving it a unique and easily recognizable appearance.

Additional Information.

General Characteristics:
The Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a deciduous hardwood tree native to Michigan, renowned for its distinctive bark and nut production. It typically grows to heights of 60 to 80 feet, with a straight trunk and an oval to rounded crown. The tree is known for its shaggy bark that peels away in long strips, giving it a unique and easily recognizable appearance. Its leaves are compound, typically 8 to 14 inches long, consisting of five to seven leaflets with serrated edges.

Range:
Shagbark Hickory is found primarily in the eastern and central United States, extending from southeastern Canada down to northern Florida and westward to Minnesota and Texas. In Michigan, it thrives in rich, well-drained soils of upland woods, along riverbanks, and in valleys.

How to Identify:
Identification of Shagbark Hickory is straightforward due to its peeling bark, which separates in long, narrow strips that are loose at both ends. In addition, its leaves are pinnately compound with 5-7 leaflets. The nuts are also distinctive, encased in a thick, hard shell, and are an important identifying feature. The nuts are green when immature and turn brown as they ripen in the fall.

Commercial Value:
Shagbark Hickory wood is highly valued for its strength, density, and shock resistance, making it ideal for tool handles, ladder rungs, furniture, and flooring. It is also popular for smoking meat due to the rich flavor it imparts. The nuts, though not widely commercialized, are edible and sometimes sold in local markets.

Wildlife Value:
The nuts of Shagbark Hickory are a significant food source for various wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds such as turkeys and woodpeckers. The tree also provides habitat and nesting sites for many bird species and mammals.

Symbiotic Relationships:
Shagbark Hickory forms symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake for the tree while benefiting from the tree's carbohydrates. These relationships are crucial for the tree's growth and health, particularly in nutrient-poor soils.

Interesting Tidbits:

The name "Shagbark" comes from the tree's characteristic bark, which appears shaggy and peeling.
Historically, Native Americans used the nuts as a food source and the wood for tools and bows.
The tree's deep root system makes it resilient to wind damage and helps stabilize soil in its growing areas.
Shagbark Hickory can live for over 200 years, with some specimens reaching significant ages and sizes.