Southern Shagbark
Carya carolinae-septentrionalisfam. Juglandaceae
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Pl. 3152 — Carya carolinae-septentrionalis
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IOverview
Overview
Southern Shagbark (Carya carolinae-septentrionalis) is a deciduous tree in the Juglandaceae family native to southeastern states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This tree thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and requires full sun for optimal growth. Known for its edible seeds, Southern Shagbark can reach a height of 20 meters, making it an interesting ornamental addition to landscapes while also providing a valuable food source. Its distinctive shaggy bark, which peels off in long strips, is one of the tree's most recognizable features.
Quick answers
What is Southern Shagbark?
Southern Shagbark (Carya carolinae-septentrionalis) is a deciduous tree in the Juglandaceae family native to southeastern states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Southern Shagbark thrives in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 20 meters tall and is native to the southeastern United States. While hardiness isn't specified, it is generally hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and a sunny location for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Southern Shagbark for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting process to grow Southern Shagbark, focusing on basic care and patience.
- 1
What you'll need
A shagbark hickory seed or young tree, a spade, mulch, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; mix in compost. For containers, use a large pot with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 inches deep. Transplant young trees carefully to avoid root damage.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, mulch around the base for moisture retention, and prune to remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth. Harvest seeds when they are ripe, usually in fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering, not providing enough space for root growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Southern Shagbark's seed is edible and can be eaten raw or roasted. The seeds are often harvested and prepared by cracking open the hard outer shell to access the nut inside. They can also be ground into a meal for use in various dishes.
Other uses:Fire starterLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Juglandaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Juglandaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 31525dd7-3d7b-4135-99c5-696e1173d5fc
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