Shagbark Hickory Tree Seeds (Carya ovata)
Shagbark Hickory Tree Seeds (Carya ovata)
Stately, resilient, and deeply rooted in American history.
Carya ovata, the Shagbark Hickory, is an enduring native hardwood known for its distinctive shaggy bark, golden fall color, and long lifespan. Revered for its strong wood and sweet, edible nuts, it’s a tree that embodies both beauty and utility. Towering and steadfast, it provides vital habitat for wildlife while adding timeless character to the landscape.
- Native to eastern North America; thrives in mixed hardwood forests
- Peeling bark forms long, curling strips with age
- Produces sweet, edible hickory nuts loved by people and wildlife
- Supports biodiversity with food, shelter, and nesting habitat
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Carya ovata
- Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Soil: Prefers deep, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and rocky soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 60–80 feet (occasionally over 100 feet)
- Spread: 40–60 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Lifespan: 200+ years
Plant Shagbark Hickory as a legacy tree—resilient, long-lived, and unmistakably American.
FAQ
How long does it take Shagbark Hickory to produce nuts?
Shagbark Hickory trees begin producing nuts in about 10–15 years from seed, with peak yields after 40 years. Mature trees can produce for over a century.
Is Shagbark Hickory good for wildlife?
Yes. Its nuts are an important food source for squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and many bird species. The bark provides nesting and roosting shelter for bats and insects.
Can Shagbark Hickory tolerate poor soils?
It prefers deep, fertile soils but tolerates rocky, clay-heavy, or dry ground once established—making it a hardy addition to diverse landscapes.
Related Seeds
- Black Walnut Tree Seeds — Valuable hardwood producing rich, flavorful nuts
- Butternut Tree Seeds — Cold-hardy North American walnut with sweet nuts
- Chinese Chestnut Tree Seeds — Blight-resistant, high-yield nut tree for wildlife
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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