Shagbark Hickory - Carya ovata

Note: This is the smaller 1 gal size, and so a lower price, but still a decent sized plant.

Features: This wonderful tree is a frequent companion to the White Oak in our upland wooded areas. Check them out in many local forest preserves. Its strong wood has been used to make furniture and more for centuries. The bark of this tree starts to 'shag' or peel when it is mature, which provides nesting spots for wildlife, including native bats.

It is a member of the walnut family and has dark green compound leaves, usually with 5 leaflets. It may take 30-40 years before it is old enough to produce hickory nuts. They are tasty to humans and a great food for squirrels, birds and other creatures. Its deep tap root makes it difficult to transplant and it is slow to mature. 

It is used by an amazing range of insects for food, shelter and egg laying. Beetles, flies, leafhoppers, moths and more use it widely.

Light: Full sun to part sun

Soil: Medium; Moist to dry tolerated

Height: 60-80 feet

Blooms: Mid to Late Spring

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and National Wildlife Federation

 Photos: Wikimedia