Carya laciniosa – Big shellbark hickory, Kingnut hickory

View prices and availability
  2. trees
  3. Carya laciniosa
Juglandaceae

Carya laciniosa – Big shellbark hickory, Kingnut hickory

View prices and availability
A tall tree with relatively thin, strongly spreading branches and twigs. Grows up to 50 m in height in its natural habitat but is practically always smaller when cultivated. Old trees are valued for their durable carpentry wood. The bark is grey and flakes off in long plates. Young branches carry felt-like hair, The leaf is a compound of 5 to 9 lanceolate leaf segments. When rubbed they give off a strong smell. The leaf edge is serrated and fimbriate. The leaf axis is pretty well bald and sometimes remains hanging on the tree for a long time in the winter. The leaves are somewhat brown tinted when they first appear but are light green in the summer and flaming yellow in the autumn. The round, sweet, edible nuts are contained in a smooth husk that opens practically completely. Deep root system.

This product is currently not available.
You can submit your request by the contact form. We will inform you without obligation about the possibilities.

Specifications
Download PDF
Height
25 - 30 m
Width
12-20m
Crown
conical to rounded, open, half-open crown
Bark and branches
trunk grey, flaking off in long pieces, twigs with felt-like hair
Leaf
imparipinnate with 5 to 9 leaves, light green, 10 - 22 cm, feathered leaf
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
♂ catkins approx. 12 - 20 cm, ♀ flowers in short ears, May
Fruits
round nut, Ø approx 4 - 5 cm, husk up to 7 cm, edible, edible fruits
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
humid and rich
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6a (-23,3 to -20,6 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant)
Shape
clearstem tree
Origin
eastern part of the United States
Clear stem tree acid soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) can withstand wind 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green green average growing Feathered leaf all species Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) non-toxic (usually) Ornamental fruit Edible fruits
Frequently asked questions
Carya laciniosa

Carya laciniosa can eventually reach a height of 25 - 30 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Carya laciniosa is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 25 - 30 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Carya laciniosa turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Carya laciniosa is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Carya laciniosa with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Carya laciniosa blooms in may.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.