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(Carya laciniosa)
North America’s largest nut! Shellbark hickory aka kingnut hickory is similar in appearance to shagbark hickory but produces nuts 2-3x the size. Large nuts are sweet and delicious, reminiscent of pecans, their other close relative. These long-lived trees are adapted to deep, moist soils.
We offer both wild and cultivated seedlings:
‘Henry’ shellbark: Seedlings of this selection are likely to inherit some great traits of Henry’s high yields and sweet nuts.
‘Fayette’ shellbark: A selection known for its thin-shelled, extra large nuts. Seedlings of Fayette could be the next great cultivar!
NY shellbark: Seed sourced from New York state for northern growers, which should be hardy to zone 5, possiby zone 4.
AL shellbark: Seed sourced from norther Alabama for southern growers, and should perform well in warmer climates of shellbark’s range.
Flavor profile: Buttery, maple-y, fruity
Hardiness zone: 5-8
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Deep, fertile soils. Tolerant of seasonal flooding. Soil ph of 6-7.5
Mature height: 50-80’
Spacing: 40’
Pollination: Multiple trees required for pollination. Planting 3+ trees is highly recommended. All of our trees are genetically distinct seedlings which should ensure successful cross-pollination.S hellbark is also pollen compatible with other hickories such as shagbark and pecan, which can cross and create hybrids if bloom time overlaps.
Growing tips: Plant with great care to not damage the taproot, which is vital to establishment for hickories. Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
All Fall ‘26 orders will be shipped or available for pick up in October-November 2026.
(Carya laciniosa)
North America’s largest nut! Shellbark hickory aka kingnut hickory is similar in appearance to shagbark hickory but produces nuts 2-3x the size. Large nuts are sweet and delicious, reminiscent of pecans, their other close relative. These long-lived trees are adapted to deep, moist soils.
We offer both wild and cultivated seedlings:
‘Henry’ shellbark: Seedlings of this selection are likely to inherit some great traits of Henry’s high yields and sweet nuts.
‘Fayette’ shellbark: A selection known for its thin-shelled, extra large nuts. Seedlings of Fayette could be the next great cultivar!
NY shellbark: Seed sourced from New York state for northern growers, which should be hardy to zone 5, possiby zone 4.
AL shellbark: Seed sourced from norther Alabama for southern growers, and should perform well in warmer climates of shellbark’s range.
Flavor profile: Buttery, maple-y, fruity
Hardiness zone: 5-8
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Deep, fertile soils. Tolerant of seasonal flooding. Soil ph of 6-7.5
Mature height: 50-80’
Spacing: 40’
Pollination: Multiple trees required for pollination. Planting 3+ trees is highly recommended. All of our trees are genetically distinct seedlings which should ensure successful cross-pollination.S hellbark is also pollen compatible with other hickories such as shagbark and pecan, which can cross and create hybrids if bloom time overlaps.
Growing tips: Plant with great care to not damage the taproot, which is vital to establishment for hickories. Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
All Fall ‘26 orders will be shipped or available for pick up in October-November 2026.
