Carya ovata
(Shag Bark Hickory)
Family - Juglandaceae
Category - Tree
Origin - Eastern North America
Year of Introduction - H6
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - 25m - 30m
Width - 10m - 15m
Description: A large, Deciduous tree with a broad, conical habit. The attractive bark is greyish-brown and once the tree is established will peel and flake away, hence the common name of Shag Bark Hickory. Large, handsome, pinnate leaves are mid-green. The upper, larger three leaflets are oblong to oval in shape while the two smaller, lower leaflets are ovate. Green male and female flowers are produced on the same plant, separately, from late spring into early summer. The male catkins are pendulous and produced in groups of three. The female flowers are held in upright spikes. The flowers are followed by prominent, round, green fruit containing beige nuts. The nuts contain edible, sweet kernels. Fruit is reliably produced in the UK following a hot summer. The leaves turn a shade of bright yellow in autumn before falling.
Flower:
Pendulous green male catkins are held in groups of three. Green upright spikes of female flowers are held on the same plant. Flowers are produced in May and June and are followed by round, green fruit containing pale beige nuts with edible kernels.
Flower colour: Green
Flower shape: Catkins, spikes
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Large, pinnate leaves have five leaflets. The larger, upper three leaflets are oblong to oval in shape and the lower, smaller two leaflets are ovate. The leaves are bright mid-green and smell of apples when crushed. The leaves are Alternately arranged along the branches and turn a rich shade of bright yellow in autumn.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with oblong to oval and ovate leaflets
Autumn Colour: Yellow
Propagation:
Best grown from seed, larger plants do not establish well if moved.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.
