A showy Missouri native tree, the Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa, creates a large canopy perfect for places that need shade. The tall, straight trunk features bark that peals away in large curly pieces, giving the tree its name. Male flowers of long catkins pollinate the short female flowers on the same tree. The female flowers give way to nuts encased in a green husk ripening in fall. These tasty nuts are considered some of the most delicious nuts available on American trees. Though the Shellbark Hickory can self-pollinate, for best results, two trees should be planted near each other. This tree is sometimes also commonly called King Nut Hickory in reference to the fact that Shellbark nuts are the largest in size of the Hickories

Plant Hickory in sun to part shade. It tolerates many soil conditions, including occasionally flooded areas. Long tap roots make Hickory extremely stable and drought tolerant, but it is difficult to move once settled.