Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

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Quick Facts

  • Popular wood for smoking meat
  • Native Americans used wood to craft weapons
  • Wood used to make skis

About

Shagbark hickory has large compound leaves up to fifteen inches long, composed of five wide leaflets, with fine serrations. Spring and summer leaf color is green to dark yellow-green. The young gray bark of Shagbark Hickory is smooth and but soon develops deep, long ridges that begin to separate from the newer bark underneath. With age, the long ridges separate and begin peeling. This easily identifiable "shagbark" is characteristic of the species. The biggest shagbark hickory in New York State stands at 110 feet and is located in Schoharie County.

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