Shagbark Hickory Seeds
Carya ovata — native nut tree seeds for growers, wildlife plantings, and long-term edible landscapes.
Shagbark Hickory is one of the most recognizable native hickory trees of eastern North America, known for its distinctive loose, shaggy bark and sweet edible nuts. It is a long-lived hardwood tree valued for wildlife plantings, native landscapes, nut production, and restoration projects.
Also known as shellbark hickory, scalybark hickory, shagbark, and upland hickory, Carya ovata develops a strong upright form and rugged character with age. Its nuts are sweet and flavorful, historically used as food by Native Americans and still appreciated by wildlife including squirrels, deer, turkey, and other woodland animals.
The tough, resilient wood of Shagbark Hickory has long been valued for tool handles, furniture, firewood, smoking wood, and other uses requiring strength and impact resistance. This is a slow-growing but highly rewarding native tree for patient growers.
Recommended for USDA Zones 5–8A.
For more detailed growing information, visit our Shagbark Hickory AI Fact Sheet.
Why Grow Shagbark Hickory?
- Native North American nut tree with strong wildlife value
- Produces sweet edible hickory nuts when mature
- Distinctive shaggy bark gives mature trees ornamental character
- Excellent long-term tree for farms, homesteads, and woodland edges
- Valuable hardwood species with traditional practical uses
Growing Notes
Shagbark Hickory seeds often benefit from cold stratification before germination. Plant in deep, well-drained soil where the tree can remain undisturbed, as hickories develop strong taproots and do not like frequent transplanting.
For over a thousand more unique seed varieties, all in stock and ready to ship, visit our Seed Catalog Index Page.
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State of Mississippi Seedmen's Permit #C-391, Ohio 90152, Minnesota 20086777