Shagbark hickory

Profile

Family

Juglandaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

30 m

Spread

15 m

Growth

very slow

Lifespan

350 years

First yield

after 40 years

Hardiness

zone 5–8

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 7.5

Synonyms

Schuppenrinden-Hickory

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Seeds can be consumed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes like pies, cakes, and bread due to their sweet and delightful taste. They can be ground to add thickness to soups and other meals, or used to create nut milk as a butter alternative. While most seed shells are tough and thick, some varieties have thinner shells. These seeds mature in late autumn and can be preserved for about 2 years in a cool cellar. Measuring up to 4 cm in length, the seeds yield a sweet juice that is collected in spring for syrup production.

Medicinal: Stemless thistle is seldom utilized in contemporary herbal medicine. Formerly renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, the plant is now sporadically employed in addressing various health issues such as digestive spasms, gallbladder and liver disorders, dropsy, urinary retention, and skin conditions like acne and eczema. The root, known for its antibiotic and therapeutic qualities, can be decocted for external application on wounds or as an antiseptic gargle. However, caution is advised due to potential laxative and emetic effects when consumed in large amounts. Harvested in autumn, the root is dried for future use, possessing properties such as antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, antipyretic, and purgative effects.

Other uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the tree. The wood is dense, durable, flexible, heavy, and extremely hard, weighing 52 pounds per cubic foot. It is a high-quality wood commonly utilized for crafting tool handles, wheel spokes, sports equipment, baskets, and similar items. Additionally, it serves as a superior fuel source, burning efficiently and generating ample heat, while also yielding top-notch charcoal.

Growing

Thrives in deep, moist loam in a sunny, sheltered spot and needs a warm summer for optimal growth. It's a slow-growing, highly decorative tree with peeling gray bark, which is how it gets its common name. The Shagbark Hickory is sometimes grown for its edible seeds, with various named cultivars available. It takes about 15 years for these trees to bloom from seed. This hickory species is the fastest-growing in North America and can bear fruit within 10 years. Recommended cultivars include 'J. Yoder No. 1', 'Porter', 'Weschcke', and 'Wilcox' for shagbarks, and 'Fayette' and 'Henry' for shellbarks. These plants have deep taproots and should be placed in their permanent location as soon as possible. They leaf out late (typically from late May to June) and shed their leaves early in the fall (usually in October), providing dense shade during this period, making them ideal for mixed woodland planting with shrubs and other trees below. The leaves have a pleasant aroma. Hickory trees are self-pollinating, but better and larger harvests result from cross-pollination. They exhibit remarkable resistance to honey fungus. Most species within this genus have a broad distribution, and sourcing seeds from the most suitable origins can lead to better-adapted trees for the area. Trees in the region tend to yield good seeds only after hot summers.

Propagation

Seeds need a period of cold stratification and are ideally planted right after reaching maturity in a cool environment. It is recommended to keep stored seeds slightly moist before planting, ensuring they are not overly wet. For optimal growth, only 1 or 2 seeds should be planted in each deep pot, with weaker seedlings being removed. If transplantation is necessary, it should be done promptly using deep pots to accommodate the taproot. The plants should be relocated to their permanent spot as soon as possible, preferably in the initial summer, and shielded from the cold during the first winter. Alternatively, seeds can be directly sown in the designated area, provided protection from rodents and cold temperatures is ensured (using a modified plastic bottle with wire mesh to deter mice is effective).

Notable

Special features: Requires deep soil; the tree can be tapped for maple syrup, like maple. The wood is very heavy and has a high calorific value. It can be repeatedly topped for its hard wood, which is also famous for smoking meat.

Origin & habitat

Dry slopes, deep, moist, fertile, well-drained soils in valleys and lowlands.

Growing naturally in just two regions in Guizhou and along the border of Anhui and Zhejiang, the plant prospers in fertile sandy soils.

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