Hickory, Shellbark, Bare Root

Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa)

Also called kingnut hickory, shellbark is a long-lived native canopy tree for spacious nut groves and moist woodland plantings. Its large, sweet nuts feed people and wildlife, while mature bark develops loose, shaggy plates.

Food and habitat

Nuts support squirrels, wild turkeys and other wildlife. The leaves host hickory horned devil caterpillars, which become regal moths.

Plan for mature trees

Allow roughly 60–80 feet of height and 40–60 feet of spread. Choose deep, fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Shellbark tolerates temporary flooding but needs ample rooting space.

Seedling nut trees

These are seed-grown trees, so nut quality and bearing age vary. Plant several genetically different shellbarks for cross-pollination and allow many years for a crop.

Product Details

• Botanical name: Carya laciniosa
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Deep, fertile, moist loam; tolerates brief seasonal flooding
• Mature size: Typically 60–80 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide
• Flowering: April–June, depending on climate
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated; plant multiple genetically different shellbarks with overlapping bloom for better nut production
• Form: Bare-root seedling, offered for spring 2027 preorder
• Size: 6–18-inch seedling

Planting and Care

Keep roots moist before planting. Plant promptly in a permanent location, water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk and protect seedlings from browsing. For a drier-site hickory, compare our Shagbark Hickory.