Soil and location: The shagbark hickory grows in a great variety of soils, but prefers a deep and rather moist soil.
Enemies: The hickory bark borer (Scolytus quadrispinosus) is its principal enemy. The insect is now killing thousands of hickory trees in the vicinity of New York City and on several occasions has made its appearance in large numbers in other parts of the country.
Value for planting: It is difficult to transplant, grows slowly and is seldom found in nurseries.
Fig. 67.—Bud of the Shagbark Hickory.
Commercial value: The wood is extremely tough and hard and is used for agricultural implements and for the manufacture of wagons. It is excellent for fuel and the nuts are of great value as a food.
Other characters: The fruit is a nut covered by a thick husk that separates into 4 or 5 segments. The kernel is sweet.
Other common names: Shellbark hickory.