Shagbark hickory

Carya ovata

Native
Large tree
Slow to bear

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

nuts

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

none listed

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No source we checked assesses this plant for pets, so the app makes no pet claim either way.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is a different species from big shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa), which ASPCA lists under 'shagbark hickory'..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: NC State: USDA zones 4a to 8b.
Mature size: NC State: height 70-90 ft, width 50-70 ft.
Family: Juglandaceae (walnut family)
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern Canada to central and eastern USA and northeast Mexico.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon