Shellbark hickory
Carya laciniosa
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Pl. CE85 — Carya laciniosa
Carya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosaCarya laciniosa
IOverview
Overview
The Shellbark hickory is a perennial tree that belongs to the Carya genus. It is native to a region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas, and can also be found in other parts of eastern North America. This tree is known for its edible parts, which include its sap and seeds. It thrives in a variety of conditions, including full sun, partial sun, and shade, and can tolerate different types of soil. One of its distinctive features is its ability to grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. The tree's hardy nature allows it to survive in a range of temperatures, making it a common sight in many landscapes. Its wide native range and adaptability have contributed to its presence in various habitats.
Quick answers
What is Shellbark hickory?
The Shellbark hickory is a perennial tree that belongs to the Carya genus. It is native to a region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas, and can also be found in other parts of eastern North America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This plant prefers full sun to partial sun and shade, and it thrives in a variety of soils, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay. It requires moist water conditions to grow well. Hardy in zones 5-9, it is suitable for temperate regions with moderate climates. To propagate, specific methods are not provided, so general perennial propagation techniques may be applied. With proper care, it can grow into a tall perennial, reaching heights of 30 meters, and produce edible sap and seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Shellbark hickory for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young shellbark hickory tree for a rewarding long-term project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young shellbark hickory sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground in their permanent spot, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as they were in the nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water deeply once a week during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest seeds when they are ripe and easily removed from the shell.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SapSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Fire starterLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 24 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, South Carolina, Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ce85c0b2-458a-4b72-9a80-70f37a7db069
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