The scientific name of shagbark hickory nut trees is Carya ovata, which translates literally as, "the oval nut." Meanwhile, the word, "hickory" comes from the Algonquin, "pawcohiccora". Shagbark hickory nut trees were an important food source for the Algonquins.
Growing Shagbark Hickory Nut Trees
As with plant selection on Page 1, Grimo Nut Nursery provides detailed advice on growing shagbark hickory nut trees:
Planting and cultural requirements are similar to practices followed for other fruit and ornamental trees. Plant in a well drained site with the root collar just below the surface. The graft should be above the ground. Trees planted too deeply die. Use good topsoil and tamp it firmly but gently around the roots. Protect the roots from drying sun and wind while preparing the hole. Water well after planting. Prune the top about one fifth to promote vigor. Control of weeds and other competition in a two meter (yard) circle is very important for at least the first five years. A mulch is beneficial. We do not recommend fall planting for most nut trees and so do not dig and ship orders until spring. All orders are held until then. Generally two or more different cultivars are needed for cross pollination.
Shagbark hickory nut trees are susceptible to some insect pests and diseases. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station helps with the identification and solution of these problems (see "Pests and Diseases for Shagbark Hickory Nut Trees" in sidebar).
Shagbark Hickory Nut Trees: The Harvest
When we speak of the fruit (nut) from shagbark hickory nut trees, we are really dealing with three parts:
- The husk
- The hard outer shell under the husk
- The meat of the nut within the hard outer shell
Refrigerate or freeze shagbark hickory nut meat after you've removed it from the shells.
Don't try cracking the husk prematurely, unless you're a glutton for hard work. Rather, wait for the fruit of shagbark hickory nut trees to ripen. Ripening begins in September and October. The green, leathery husk eventually turns brown and becomes more brittle. In fact, sometimes, when the nuts fall to the ground, the husks split open into four segments, allowing access to the nut within (of course, even then, you've still got the hard outer nutshell to crack!). For this reason, some harvesters just wait until late autumn for all the nuts to fall.
Rodents and Shagbark Hickory Nut Trees: Pest Control
However, this strategy presents a problem: rodents and other pests are fond of shagbark hickory nuts and may get to them before you do (after all, they have a lot of time on their paws!). The following are some of the pests with which you may have to compete for the harvest of shagbark hickory nuts:
- Red squirrels
- Gray squirrels
- Raccoons
- Chipmunks
- Mice
One solution: all of these critters can be trapped humanely with Havahart traps.
Other Uses for Shagbark Hickory Nut Trees
The wood of shagbark hickory nut trees is very hard, and it's used to make ax handles, baseball bats and other products that demand a tough wood. Shagbark hickory nut trees also make for excellent firewood. When burnt, the wood gives off a fragrant smoke -- thus the popularity of hickory in the meat-curing process. More importantly for homeowners, shagbark hickory nut trees attract wildlife -- and not just the pests mentioned above. According to the Texas A&M extension, the wild birds that eat shagbark hickory nuts include:
- Mallards
- Wood ducks
- Turkeys
- Bobwhites
More on Trees With Colorful Fall Foliage
Fall Foliage of Ash Trees
Fall Foliage of Aspen Trees, Quaking
Fall Foliage of Beech Trees
Fall Foliage of Birch Trees
Fall Foliage of Dogwood Trees
Fall Foliage of Japanese Maple Trees
Fall Foliage of Maple Trees
Fall Foliage of Oak Trees
Fall Foliage of Ginkgo Biloba Trees
Fall Foliage of Tulip Trees
