Shellbark Hickory Tree Seeds | Carya laciniosa
Shellbark Hickory Tree Seeds | Carya laciniosa
Majestic presence. Sweet reward.
Carya laciniosa, the Shellbark Hickory, is the largest and most commanding of all hickories—admired for its thick, peeling bark, straight trunk, and rich, edible nuts. A native hardwood of the eastern and central United States, this tree brings both strength and sustenance to forests, homesteads, and restoration projects alike.
Its golden fall foliage glows against its rugged bark, while its nuts feed wildlife from squirrels and turkeys to foxes and wood ducks. Slow-growing yet enduring, Shellbark Hickory embodies the patience and permanence of America’s native forests—standing tall for centuries as both a shade tree and a keystone species in diverse ecosystems.
- Native Range: Eastern and Central United States
- Largest of all hickories with thick, peeling bark and strong, straight form
- Produces sweet, edible nuts for humans and wildlife
- Thrives in bottomlands, riverbanks, and fertile soils
- Long-lived hardwood ideal for reforestation, homesteads, and habitat creation
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Carya laciniosa
- Common Name: Shellbark Hickory
- Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loam; tolerates clay soils
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 70–100 feet
- Spread: 50–70 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow (about 1 ft per year)
- Lifespan: 200+ years
Plant Shellbark Hickory seeds for shade, strength, and sustenance—a timeless native that nourishes wildlife, restores soil, and endures for generations.
Related Seeds
- Shagbark Hickory Tree Seeds — Iconic peeling bark and sweet, edible nuts
- Black Walnut Tree Seeds — Valuable hardwood with rich, flavorful nuts
- Bur Oak Tree Seeds — Massive-crowned oak with deep roots and longevity
Evergreen Seed Co. provides rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds trusted by growers nationwide—each batch 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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