The shagbark hickory tree is a common and important tree in southwest Missouri. It is known for its distinctive bark, which peels off in long, shaggy strips, and its delicious nuts. Shagbark hickory trees are large trees, growing up to 100 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. They have a broad, spreading crown and can provide a lot of shade.

hagbark hickory tree

Shagbark hickory trees are native to North America and are found in eastern and central Canada and the eastern United States. They are a valuable resource for both wildlife and humans. Shagbark hickory nuts are a popular food for squirrels, raccoons, deer, and other animals. The wood of the shagbark hickory tree is strong and durable, making it a good choice for a variety of products, including furniture, flooring, and tool handles.

Identifying the Shagbark hickory tree

Bark: The bark of a shagbark hickory tree is gray to brown in color and peels off in long, shaggy strips. This is the most distinctive feature of the shagbark hickory tree and is what gives it its name.

Leaves: The leaves of a shagbark hickory tree are pinnately compound, meaning that they are made up of several smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem. The leaflets are oblong in shape with serrated margins. The leaves of a shagbark hickory tree are green in color during the summer and turn yellow or golden brown in the fall.

Fruit: The fruit of a shagbark hickory tree is a nut. The nuts are enclosed in a thick, green husk that turns brown and splits open when the nuts are ripe. The nuts of a shagbark hickory tree are edible and are a popular food for wildlife and humans alike.

Here are some additional tips for identifying a shagbark hickory tree:

Shagbark hickory trees are typically found in moist, well-drained soil. They are often found in forests, but they can also be found in open areas, such as parks and lawns.

Shagbark hickory trees are a slow-growing tree, but they can live for many years. Some

Shagbark hickory trees have been known to live for over 300 years.

Shagbark hickory trees are a valuable resource for wildlife. The nuts of the shagbark hickory tree are a popular food for squirrels, raccoons, deer, and other animals. The bark of the shagbark hickory tree also provides shelter for a variety of wildlife.

If you are unsure whether or not a tree is a shagbark hickory tree, you can contact a Humble Trees or your local arborist or forester for assistance.