Plant Details

Carya laciniosa

Shellbark Hickory

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Carya laciniosa.

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Common names

23 names · 10 languages
EnglishYour language
  • big shagbark hickory[1]
  • big shellbark[1]
  • big shellbark hickory[1]
+9 more namesShow fewer names
  • bigleaf shagbark[1]
  • bigleaf shagbark hickory[1]
  • bottom shellbark[1]
  • kingnut[1]
  • kingnut hickory[1]
  • shagbark hickory[1]
  • Shellbark Hickory[1]
  • thick shellbark[1]
  • western shellbark[1]
Other languages (9)
Dutch
  • Koningsnoot
French
  • Caryer lacinié[1]
  • Caryer à coque épaisse
Chinese (Simplified)
  • 贝壳山核桃[1]
Chinese (Traditional)
  • 貝殼山核桃[1]
Czech
  • ořechovec dřípatý[1]
Finnish
  • seitsikkohikkori[1]
German
  • Königsnuss[1]
Russian
  • Большой косматый гикори[1]
  • Кария бахромчатая[1]
Slovak
  • hikória rozstrapkaná[1]
Sources & name notes (1)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Carya laciniosa — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Shellbark Hickory — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • ořechovec dřípatý — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • 贝壳山核桃 — results[0].names[4]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • 貝殼山核桃 — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • Кария бахромчатая — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • Большой косматый гикори — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • Königsnuss — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • bigleaf shagbark — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • Caryer lacinié — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • seitsikkohikkori — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • kingnut — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • kingnut hickory — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • big shellbark hickory — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • big shagbark hickory — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • big shellbark — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • bottom shellbark — results[0].names[17]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • thick shellbark — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • western shellbark — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • shagbark hickory — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • bigleaf shagbark hickory — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.
  • hikória rozstrapkaná — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 54790; Carya laciniosa.

General information

Scientific name: Carya laciniosa
Accepted name (Kew): Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Juglandaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Carya (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Shellbark Hickory
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Nut tree
Catalogue size class: Large
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Growth rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous

Leaf retention described in the New England flora.

Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Sap, Seed
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Wood

Description

The seeds of this hickory species are the largest among all hickories, with a length of up to 5 cm. They have a sweet and refined taste and can be eaten raw or processed into pies and cakes. This hickory is known for its delicious flavor. However, the hard and thick shell of the seeds quickly spoils crunchiness. The seed is best stored in its shell in a cool place for at least 6 months after it ripens in late autumn. The sap of this hickory also has a sweet taste and can be boiled down to syrup or sugar when tapped in the spring. This can be used in the same way as maple syrup.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/10
Harvest ends: 30/11

Crown

Crown shape: Broad weeping
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 756174; name ID 2701738; Carya Nutt.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 756560; name ID 2701789; Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Native Plant Trust; Go Botany Carya laciniosa — Go Botany
    Supports: Foliage
    Relevant sections
    • Foliage: Leaf duration

    Source checked on .