About Hickory Trees
The hickories (Carya spp.) are among the most ecologically significant and long-lived native hardwood trees in Middle Tennessee. Several species grow naturally across Nashville and the surrounding region, most notably shagbark hickory (C. ovata) on dry upland ridges, shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa) in bottomlands, and mockernut hickory (C. tomentosa) and pignut hickory (C. glabra) on mixed upland sites.
Hickory is the dominant tree on many of Nashville's forested ridgelines and is deeply woven into the local ecology – its hard, dense wood is prized for tool handles and smoking meats, and its nuts are the most important food source for gray squirrels and many other wildlife species in the region.
As a landscape tree, hickory requires patience: it is among the slowest-growing large native trees, investing early energy into a deep taproot system. But a hickory planted today becomes a legacy tree for future generations – long-lived, storm-resistant, and increasingly valuable as a wildlife tree with each passing decade.
Common Nashville Species – Identification
- Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata): Dramatic, long peeling strips of gray bark curling away from the trunk – unmistakable. 5 leaflets per compound leaf. Sweet, edible nuts. Common on dry upland ridges in Nashville's parks and forests.
- Shellbark Hickory (C. laciniosa): Similar shaggy bark to shagbark; larger leaves (7 leaflets) and the largest nuts of any native hickory. Found on moister, bottomland sites.
- Mockernut Hickory (C. tomentosa): Thick, ridged bark without the dramatic shag; large compound leaves (7 – 9 leaflets) that are aromatic when crushed; very thick-shelled nut. Common on mixed upland sites.
- Pignut Hickory (C. glabra): Smooth to slightly ridged bark; 5 – 7 leaflets; smaller, pear-shaped nut with a thin husk. Also common on dry upland ridges and slopes.
Planting & Care in Nashville
- Site selection: Full sun is essential. Hickory grows best on well-drained to dry, deep soils. Shagbark and pignut hickories perform well on the rocky, well-drained upland sites common across Nashville's ridges. Shellbark prefers moister bottomland conditions.
- Planting size: Plant hickory small – from seed (stratified and direct-sown) or from a 1 to 3 gallon container. Larger nursery trees are difficult to establish due to root disturbance. Once planted, leave the tree in place permanently.
- Taproot development: In the first few years, a young hickory may appear to grow very slowly above ground while investing energy into its taproot. This is normal. Once the taproot is established (typically by year 3 to 5), above-ground growth accelerates.
- Nut production: Hickory trees begin producing nuts at 10 to 20 years of age under good growing conditions. Full production requires a mature canopy and several years of establishment.
- Pruning: Structural pruning in the first 10 years helps develop good branch architecture and prevents future problems. Hickory wood is strong and storm-resistant, but co-dominant stems with included bark can be a failure point in major storms.
- Pest resistance: Established hickory trees are generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. Hickory shuckworm and hickory bark beetle can occasionally affect stressed trees, but healthy trees tolerate them.
Wildlife Value & Nashville Relevance
Hickory nuts are one of the most important wildlife foods in Middle Tennessee's forests. Gray squirrels are the primary consumers and distributors of hickory nuts – each squirrel buries thousands of nuts each fall, and those that are not recovered germinate and become the next generation of trees. Hickory also provides food for fox squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Hickory is a host plant for dozens of moth and butterfly species, including the regal moth whose spectacular caterpillars (the hickory horned devil) are among the largest in North America. Old hickory trees with dead wood provide vital habitat for cavity-nesting birds and wood-boring beetles.
In Nashville's mature urban forests – in Bells Bend Park, Shelby Bottoms, and along many older neighborhood streets – hickory trees stand as multi-generational presences that anchor the ecological community. Planting hickory today is a gift to the future.
Watch: Growing Shagbark Hickory Trees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shagbark and shellbark hickory?
Shagbark hickory (C. ovata) has dramatic peeling bark in long, curved strips and grows on dry, upland ridges. Shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa) has similar shaggy bark but prefers wetter, bottomland soils and produces the largest nuts of any native hickory. Shagbark is more commonly encountered on Nashville's upland sites, while shellbark grows in river-bottom areas.
Are hickory nuts edible?
Yes – shagbark and shellbark hickory nuts are sweet and edible, often considered among the best-tasting of any native nut. They are excellent in pies, candies, and baked goods. Cracking hickory nuts requires effort (the shells are thick and hard), but the flavor is worth it. Pignut and mockernut hickory nuts are edible but bitterer and less commonly used for food.
Why is hickory so slow to grow?
Hickory trees invest their early energy into developing a deep taproot system rather than rapid above-ground growth. This makes them highly drought-tolerant and storm-resistant once established, but results in noticeably slow growth in early years. Growth accelerates after the taproot is established, but hickory will always be slower than oaks or maples. Plant hickory as a long-term legacy tree.
Is hickory good for wildlife in Nashville?
Hickory is one of the most ecologically important nut-producing trees for wildlife in Middle Tennessee. Its nuts are a critical food source for gray squirrels, fox squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkeys, wood ducks, and white-tailed deer. Squirrels cache thousands of hickory nuts each fall, and those not recovered often germinate into the next generation of trees.
Can I transplant a hickory tree?
Hickory trees are extremely difficult to transplant due to their deep taproot, which is easily damaged during digging. For best results, plant hickory from seed or from a small, young container-grown tree (1 to 3 gallon) and allow it to establish in its permanent location. Never attempt to move an established in-ground hickory of any significant size.
Hickory Tree Services in Nashville
Smith Works Tree Service serves Nashville and Middle Tennessee with professional tree trimming, removal, and health assessment services.