shellbark hickory
Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don
Carya laciniosa, known as shellbark hickory, is a member of the Juglandaceae family. It is a slow-growing, long-lived tree with a long taproot that makes it difficult to transplant. The tree produces the largest hickory nuts, which are sweet and edible. The nuts are mostly harvested by wildlife and people, with the remaining ones producing seedling trees. The wood is hard, heavy, strong, and flexible, making it suitable for tool handles. A notable specimen in Missouri has a diameter at breast height of 117 cm, a height of 36.9 m, and a spread of 22.6 m.
Description
Carya laciniosa, also referred to as kingnut, big, bottom, thick, or western shellbark hickory, is a tree species in the Juglandaceae family. It is characterized by its slow growth and long lifespan. The tree has a long taproot, making it challenging to transplant. The nuts it produces are the largest among hickory species and are known for their sweetness and edibility. These nuts are primarily harvested by wildlife and humans, with the remaining nuts germinating into new trees. The wood of Carya laciniosa is highly valued for its hardness, heaviness, strength, and flexibility, making it ideal for tool handles. A notable example of this tree in Missouri has a diameter at breast height of 117 cm, a height of 36.9 m, and a spread of 22.6 m.
Other common names
shellbark hickory
Distribution
PL
Synonyms
Juglans ambiguaJuglans sulcataJuglans pubescensHicorius sulcataHicorius acuminataHicorius laciniosaHicorius sulcataHicoria laciniosaJuglans laciniosaCarya sulcata var. laciniosa