Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata

Juglandaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native

Last updated April 25, 2026

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Quick Facts

Height

75 ft

Spread

50-70 ft

Growth Rate

Slow

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil

Adaptable

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

April to May

Fall Color

Brown, golden, yellow

Origin

from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Texas

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set