Scientific Name
Carya laciniosa
The shellbark hickory is a large tree similar to the shagbark hickory. It has large compound leaves, usually with seven leaflets rather than the five typical of shagbark, and stout twigs. Like shagbark, its bark eventually exfoliates in long vertical strips that remain attached for years at one or more points along the trunk. This is a very long-lived tree, and it will take time before it begins producing fruit or develops that characteristic shaggy bark.
Shellbark is sometimes called king nut hickory because it produces the largest nuts of any hickory species. The nutmeats are sweet, though somewhat mild in flavor. In its native range, which is centered in the Midwest, it is more often found in lowland areas. It is less common in the southern states and does not extend as far north as shagbark, but it is nonetheless cold hardy in our region.
This species is rarely encountered here, though Colorado’s top champion, in Boulder, has reached 58 feet. Even so, the third tallest is only 33 feet. With time, trees here may reach 40 feet or more and develop an oblong form. Shellbark hickory also offers one of the best and most persistent yellow fall colors among hickories.
Like other hickory species, it is seldom planted. Its slow growth, especially in the first decade, and its reputation for being difficult to transplant are the main reasons. Hickories develop a deep taproot early in life. A seedling only 6 inches tall can already have a taproot 2 to 3 feet deep and as thick as a carrot. That makes transplanting a challenge, though we have had some success moving young trees from the arboretum nursery.