Shellbark Hickory

Backyard Garden trees  


Shellbark Hickory

The Shellbark Hickory tree, Carya laciniosa, is also know as bigleaf shagbark, kingnut, big shellbark, bottom shellbark, thick shellbark and western shellbark). This deciduous tree is similar to that of the Shagbark Hickory, but often not quite as shaggy. The fruit is larger than other hickories. This is a big tree and it prefers wet, fertile bottomland. It is less common than either the Shagbark or Bitternut Hickories. The wood is similar to that of the Shagbark Hickory and is used in much the same way. Its sweet, huge nuts are relished by squirrels and give it an alternative common name of King Nut Hickory, due to their being the largest of the hickories. Like other hickories, it is very tolerant of summer drought. The nuts of shellbark hickory are utilized by wildlife (ducks, quail, wild turkeys, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, foxes, raccoons, and white-footed mice) and man. This tall shade tree displays a yellow fall color. ... get more information

 

Overcup Oak This oak tree is long overlooked by growers; the tree is just starting to be more popular and thus more readily available for home landscapes. The Overcup Oak has brilliant reddish or gray brown bark and displays leathery dark green leaves in summer. The Overcup oak is easy to transplant and tolerates most soil conditions and partial shade to full sun. Acorns are produced annually and are relatively small, usually between 1/2 an 1 inch. The oak tree derives it's name from the acorn cap that very nearly covers the acorn. The tree can produce very prolific acorn crops but generally does not begin to produce for 15 + years. Overcup Oak trees can create wildlife habitat on land where most oak species can not survive.

Shellbark Hickory