Shellbark Hickory Tree Live Plant – 18+ Inches Tall, Set of 2 Bare Root

Overview

Introduce a majestic and productive addition to your landscape with this Shellbark Hickory tree live plant set. Known scientifically as Carya laciniosa, the Shellbark Hickory is a robust deciduous tree celebrated for its impressive size, striking bark, and highly prized nuts. This offering includes two healthy 18+ inch bare root trees, ready for planting and establishing in your outdoor space. The Shellbark Hickory tree live plant is a long-lived species, providing shade, beauty, and a valuable food source for generations. Its distinctive shaggy bark, which peels away in long strips, gives it unique winter interest, while its broad green foliage provides ample shade during the warmer months.

These trees are an excellent choice for those looking to cultivate a native species that supports local wildlife and offers a delicious harvest. The Shellbark Hickory thrives in various conditions and is known for its resilience. Planting a Carya laciniosa tree contributes to ecological diversity and offers a sustainable source of nutrition.

Key Benefits

The Shellbark Hickory tree live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a desirable choice for many gardeners and landowners. From its ecological impact to its practical uses, these trees are a valuable investment for any property.

• Produces Edible Nuts: One of the primary attractions of the Shellbark Hickory tree live plant is its large, sweet, and delicious nuts. These nuts are a favorite for both human consumption and wildlife, making it an excellent choice for those interested in foraging or attracting squirrels and other animals. The nuts are encased in a thick, hard shell, but the kernel inside is exceptionally flavorful.
• Stunning Ornamental Value: Beyond its practical uses, the Shellbark Hickory boasts significant ornamental appeal. Its unique shaggy bark, which develops with age, creates a dramatic visual texture, especially prominent in winter landscapes. The tree’s strong, upright form and dense, green foliage contribute to a beautiful canopy in spring and summer.
• Excellent Shade Tree: With its broadleaf foliage and impressive height, the Shellbark Hickory provides substantial shade, making it ideal for planting in parks, large yards, or along property lines where cooling shade is desired during hot summer months.
• Strong and Durable Wood: The wood of the Carya laciniosa tree is renowned for its strength, hardness, and flexibility, making it valuable for tool handles, furniture, and smoking meats. Planting this tree offers a long-term resource.
• Wildlife Support: The nuts produced by the Shellbark Hickory are a crucial food source for various wildlife, including squirrels, deer, and birds, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden or property.
• Cold Resistant: This species is highly adaptable and exhibits excellent cold resistance, allowing it to thrive in a wide range of temperate climates and USDA hardiness zones.
• Fast Growing Tree: While some hickories can be slow, the Shellbark Hickory is considered a fast growing tree once established, quickly adding height and presence to your landscape.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Shellbark Hickory tree live plant involves understanding its specific needs for optimal growth and nut production. These trees are relatively low-maintenance once established, but proper initial care is crucial for success. They prefer deep, rich, moist, well-draining soil, often found in bottomlands and along streams in their native range. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent root rot. While adaptable, they perform best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils. Consider a soil test before planting to determine if any amendments are needed.

The Carya laciniosa tree thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Partial sun is tolerated, but full sun exposure generally leads to better growth and nut yields. Ensure the planting location is not overshadowed by larger structures or trees as the Shellbark Hickory matures. Regular watering is essential during the first few years after planting, especially during dry spells, to help the root system establish. Once mature, the tree is quite drought-tolerant, but supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods will benefit nut production. Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced tree fertilizer, following product instructions. Pruning should focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure. This bare root hickory is resilient, but protecting young trees from deer browse and rodent damage can be beneficial.

Size & Details

This offering includes a set of two Shellbark Hickory tree live plant specimens, each measuring 18+ inches in height. These are shipped as bare root plants, meaning they are dormant and without soil around their roots, which is an ideal state for transplanting and promotes strong root development once planted. The trees are typically 1-2 years old, providing a robust start for your garden. The Shellbark Hickory is known for being a fast growing tree, and with proper care, these young plants will quickly establish themselves. Mature trees can reach impressive heights of 70-100 feet, with a spread of 40-60 feet, forming a stately canopy. The tree’s growth rate is considered fast, allowing it to provide significant shade and nuts within a reasonable timeframe. Expect the development of the distinctive shaggy bark as the tree ages. The edible nuts tree will begin producing nuts after several years, typically 8-10 years post-planting, with yields increasing as the tree matures.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How tall will the Shellbark Hickory tree grow? A: A mature Shellbark Hickory tree live plant can reach impressive heights of 70 to 100 feet. Its broad canopy will also spread 40-60 feet, providing substantial shade.
• Q: What kind of sunlight does this tree need? A: The Shellbark Hickory thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and nut production. It can tolerate partial sun but may not yield as many nuts.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Shellbark Hickory tree live plant is an outdoor tree, best suited for large yards, parks, or naturalized areas where it has ample space to grow and mature.
• Q: How often should I water my young Shellbark Hickory? A: During its first few years, regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage strong root development for your bare root hickory.
• Q: When can I expect the tree to produce nuts? A: Shellbark Hickory trees typically begin producing nuts after about 8-10 years, with yields increasing significantly as the tree matures. These are highly valued as an edible nuts tree.
• Q: What USDA hardiness zones are suitable for the Shellbark Hickory? A: The Shellbark Hickory is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, making it suitable for a wide range of temperate climates. It is known for its cold resistance.
• Q: What type of soil does the Carya laciniosa tree prefer? A: This tree prefers deep, rich, moist, and well-draining soil. It can adapt to various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions.