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Description
Carya Laciniosa, commonly known as the shellbark hickory, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family and is known for its edible nuts. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a broad, rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown and separates into long, thin plates, resembling shaggy bark. The leaves are pinnately compound, usually with 7-9 leaflets, and can be up to 20 inches long. The tree produces male and female flowers separately, and the fruit is a large, round nut enclosed in a thick, four-sectioned husk.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Carya |
Appearance
The shellbark hickory has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 3 feet. Its branches are thick and spread out, forming a broad, rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown and separates into long, thin plates, resembling shaggy bark. The leaves are pinnately compound, usually with 7-9 leaflets, and can be up to 20 inches long. They are dark green and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces male and female flowers separately, and the fruit is a large, round nut enclosed in a thick, four-sectioned husk. The nuts are edible and have a sweet, rich flavor.
Care Guide
The shellbark hickory is a hardy tree that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is tolerant of drought and can survive in a variety of soil types. Water the tree deeply once a week during dry periods. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The tree is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The shellbark hickory is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The hickory bark beetle can cause damage to the tree by boring into the bark and creating galleries. The tree can also be affected by hickory weevils, which damage the nuts. Diseases that can affect the shellbark hickory include anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the tree healthy by providing proper care and promptly remove any diseased or damaged branches.
Habitat
The shellbark hickory is native to eastern North America and can be found from southern Ontario to Georgia and west to Texas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is commonly found in floodplains, riverbanks, and bottomland forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Are shellbark hickory nuts edible?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible and have a sweet, rich flavor.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the shellbark hickory?
A: The tree is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect the shellbark hickory?
A: The tree can be affected by hickory bark beetles, hickory weevils, anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Q: Where is the shellbark hickory native to?
A: The tree is native to eastern North America and can be found from southern Ontario to Georgia and west to Texas.
Related Plants
- Carya Illinoinensis (pecan)
- Carya Tomentosa (mockernut hickory)
- Carya Glabra (pignut hickory)
References
- “Carya laciniosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 March 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h260>.
- “Shellbark Hickory.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed 22 March 2021. <https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=945>.
- “Carya Laciniosa.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 22 March 2021. <https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/shellbark-hickory>.
