SHAGBARK HICKORY (Carya ovata)
The hardiest of the hickory species, shagbarks range from southern Canada to Minnesota, and south to Texas and Florida. The large range of the shagbark creates a large genetic pool and gives cultivars distinct variations. It is generally a good idea to plant varieties that come from the same climate zone as you live in. Shagbarks are characterized by picturesque form, ornamental shaggy bark, and handsome buds, and a kernel thought by many nut growers to be the best flavored of the nuts. Although slow growing, shagbarks reach heights of 70-80' and should be planted 30-50' apart. Nut harvest begins in 8-12 years. Plant as least two different varieties for pollination.
| SMALL | MEDIUM | LARGE | X-LARGE | ||
| SIZE | 1'-2' | 2'-3' | 3'-4' | 4'-5' | 5'-6' |
| PRICE | $26.00 | $32.00 | $38.00 | $44.00 | $50.00 |
ABUNDANCE PA 1947 Discovered by Fayette Etter, this variety produces a 7 grm. nut with 40% kernel, thin shelled, good cracking qualities
GRAINGER TN 1935 Large (10 grms.) thin shelled nut with a high % kernel. Bears heavily .
MITCH RUSSELL Ky. 1995. Fred Blankenship's best shagbark discovery. Nut is large and fills well. May be a hybrid with lacinosa.
J. YODER #1 Smithfield, OH. Emmet Yoder. Regular producer of very large (8.5 grms.), thin shelled nuts that crack out whole halves. Precocious and bears heavy crops.
SEAS PA Promoted by Charles Thatcher as one of the best shagbarks. Nuts average 7-8 grams and 40-45% kernel
SILVIS 303 West Richfield, OH. Ray Silvis introduced this large (8 grms.), round thin shelled nut of good quality and 45# kernel. Self-pollinating and a good producer.
WALTERS KY, 1980 A very large nut with excellent cracking qualities.
WESCHCKE Fayette, Iowa 1928. Consistent producer of med.-sized nuts, 53% kernel, which crack out in whole halves. Early maturing northern variety.
WILCOX Geneva, OH. 1934. Early maturing, medium-sized nuts (4.9 grms.), 41% kernel, which crack out in whole halves. One of the best producers. Protogynous.
WILMOTH Glendale, KY. 1978. Leslie Wilmoth grew up gathering nuts from this outstanding thin-shelled shagbark. Kernel is large, light colored, and good tasting. Kentucky State Fair winner.
WURTH Paducah, KY. 1978. Large, thin shelled nut is pointed at one end, and cracks out whole halves. A strong vegetative grower, with good scab resistance. Very good producer.
Other cultivars available by request for 2011: Bridgewater, Cedar Rapids, Davis, Etter, Fat Boy, Felger, Fox,Grainger, Porter, Roof, Sauber,Walters.