Shellbark Hickory Tree
Carya laciniosa
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Shellbark Hickory Tree is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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!
