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Shagbark hickory identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Shagbark hickory, Carya ovata, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 8 to 14 inches long, usually with 5 leaflets; the end leaflet is much bigger than the side ones. Bark: Long, wide plates attached in the middle that curl away from the trunk at both ends, giving it a shaggy look. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify shagbark hickory
| Leaf type | Alternate, compound leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Compound leaves 8 to 14 inches long, usually with 5 leaflets; the end leaflet is much bigger than the side ones. |
| Bark | Long, wide plates attached in the middle that curl away from the trunk at both ends, giving it a shaggy look. |
| Fruit | Nearly round nuts 1 1/2 to 2 inches in a very thick husk; the nut is four-ridged and sweet. |
| Twigs | Stout twigs. |
| Size and shape | Tall tree that can pass 120 feet with a straight trunk. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is shagbark hickory native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists shagbark hickory as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like shagbark hickory
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Shellbark hickory Carya laciniosa | Alternate, compound leaves. Big compound leaves 15 to 24 inches long with 5 to 9 (usually 7) leaflets, fuzzy underneath. |
| Red hickory Carya ovalis | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 8 to 12 inches long, usually with 7 finely toothed leaflets; the leaf stalk is often red. |
| Mockernut hickory Carya tomentosa | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 9 to 14 inches long with 7 to 9 toothed leaflets on a very fuzzy stem. |
| Pignut hickory Carya glabra | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 8 to 12 inches long, usually with 5 toothed leaflets on a smooth stem. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other hickories in Pennsylvania
Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis).
Questions
How do you identify shagbark hickory?
Look for alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 8 to 14 inches long, usually with 5 leaflets; the end leaflet is much bigger than the side ones. Bark: Long, wide plates attached in the middle that curl away from the trunk at both ends, giving it a shaggy look.
Is shagbark hickory native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists shagbark hickory as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does shagbark hickory get?
Tall tree that can pass 120 feet with a straight trunk.
How can you tell shagbark hickory in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout twigs. Bark: Long, wide plates attached in the middle that curl away from the trunk at both ends, giving it a shaggy look.
What tree looks like shagbark hickory?
Shellbark hickory, Red hickory, Mockernut hickory, Pignut hickory. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Carya ovata fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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