Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)
Trees are amazing creatures and as human beings, we are fortunate to share spaces with them. There are over 90 tree species here in Ohio and today I am writing about one of my favorites: Carya ovata, better known as the shagbark hickory.
From afar, this shagbark hickory looks like any other tree. But once you get up close to the trunk, it reveals the coolest thing about the tree, the bark. The bark is what gives the tree its common name. As the tree ages and matures the bark grows in long strips and starts to flake and curl away from the trunk. Other trees do this somewhat, but the bark of this tree can be several inches away from the shagbark’s trunk. The structure of the bark provides a habitat for many of our native pollinator insects, especially over winter.
Hickory trees are in the walnut family and produce a large fruit. Inside the fruit is the tree’s nut. Shagbark hickory is said to have the best-tasting nut in the hickory family. Most animals that seek out tree fruits relish the shagbark hickory’s nuts. If you visit Governor Bebb MetroPark in the fall you will see squirrels sitting at the picnic tables in Pioneer Village going crazy for the hickory nuts. People also eat hickory nuts for their rich flavor. The nuts can be ground into a flour and hickory nuts can be used in dishes that call for pecans or walnuts. Finding the right nuts and removing the outer husk and inner shell takes a lot of work and skill, but it can be done.
The leaves of the tree grow alternately along the branches and the leaflets can get fairly large, up to eight inches long. Along with the bark, the autumn color of the leaves is another attribute of the shagbark hickory that I love. Every tree is different, some produce bright, golden yellow leaves and others produce a dull, brownish yellow. Personally, I like the boldness of the bright yellow color more than the dull yellow. Keep an eye out for these beauties in the fall to get a glimpse of the unique bark and golden leaves together at the same time.
The Shagbark hickory may grow over 100 feet in the wild and some trees have been found to live over 350 years. Though this tree is magnificent, it’s not often found in suburban areas because of the falling debris from the fruit. However, if you have low-traffic areas on your property that don’t require routine turf maintenance, the shagbark hickory is an excellent choice. It not only provides magnificent shade, but it also provides so much for our native Ohio wildlife. Shagbark hickory wood is very dense and durable and can withstand strong winds. On a sunny day in the fall, you can enjoy its shade, the beautiful bark and foliage, the tree’s animal visitors, and some delicious nuts.
As I mentioned earlier, my favorite time to view this tree, as with most trees, is in the fall when the leaves reach their peak autumn color. Head Pioneer Village at Governor Bebb MetroPark or hike the Bluff Trail at Sycamore Bluffs MetroPark to see this tree in its fall glory.
About the Author:
Kalan Jones is MetroParks’ Assistant Manager of Natural Resources & Conservation. He is also an ISA Certified Arborist, and is passionate about educating the public about the importance and beauty of Ohio’s trees.