Shellbark Hickory Tree
Carya laciniosa
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Shellbark Hickory Tree - #3 Container 2-3 Feet is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Shellbark Hickory Tree highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring

Growing Zones 5 - 8
Edible treats and cooling shade, the gorgeous hardwood native Shellbark Hickory Tree (Carya laciniosa) is a noble US forest resident that attracts and supports pollinators, songbirds, and wildlife! Mighty shade trees and specimens, Shellbark grows 60 - 80 feet in height and spread 40 - 60 feet wide at maturity!
In spring, the entire tree is bedecked in yellow-green spring catkins on male trees and insignificant green flowers on the female trees. The strong limbs and lush foliage are perfect for nesting birds, as the large compound leaves with 5 leaflets have a hairy saw-tooth margin and pointed tips for great texture!
Distinct shaggy bark, straight, slender trunk, and narrow, oblong crown make these natives a towering silhouette in the landscape all year round. Then, you'll enjoy a great crop of edible nuts every year from these wind-pollinated trees! The nuts ripen in fall just as the foliage turns into a luscious yellow and brown hue! You and the squirrels will be vying for the tasty nuts that are similar to Pecan nuts with a thin shell that splits on its own when they are fully ripe.
Planting and Application:
Shellbark Hickory looks wonderful as specimen trees and are towering lawn specimens and the unique bark has considerable winter interest! Plant these hardy natives as windbreak plantings that will stand the test of time and Mother Nature. Plant in areas that occasionally flood without worry as these trees do well in wetlands and along riparian areas throughout U.S. hardwood forests.
Create lush shade and habitat by planting in informal groups and rows of shelterbelts. It isn't just your birds and wildlife that will enjoy this tree. Add to your Nut tree orchard so that you too can enjoy the delicious nuts, shade, and wildlife these vital keystone species support!
- Lush Green Compound Leaves - Hairy Sawtooth Edges
- Tall & Broad Oblong Canopy
- Wind-Pollinated Flavorful Nuts
- Golden Brown Fall Color
- Wildlife & Songbird Support
- Magnificent Specimens, Shade, Windbreaks & Legacy Trees
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Needing full sun, Hickory Trees have deep taproots that allow them to withstand drought, occasionally wet soil, and high winds! Plant in any moist, well-drained soil and top-dress with 3-4 inches of mulch for young trees to insulate their developing roots. Prune young trees in the late winter or early spring if needed.
- Full Sun Trees
- Any Well-Drained Soil Types
- Native Wetland Trees - Handle Average to High Moisture
- Prune When Dormant
- Mulch New Trees Well
A keystone species that supports amazing amounts of diversity, the edible landscaping native Shellbark Hickory Tree will be a lasting memorial and legacy for generations to come! Order your bird and wildlife trees and plants at NatureHills.com now!