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Forest Surf: The Shagbark Hickory Tree’s Beachy Waves

By Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

February 4, 2026

Uneven peeling bark of the Shagbark Hickory Tree. — The uneven, peeling bark of the Shagbark Hickory Tree makes it easily recognizable. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

The shagbark hickory tree—also known by its scientific name of Cary ovata—gets its moniker from its distinct, signature bark. The unusual bark is loose, stringy, and strangely reminiscent of messy, shaggy locks of human hair.

The shagbark hickory is not the tallest tree in northwestern New Jersey’s forests, only getting to be about 90 feet tall at most. According to the Official New Jersey Big Tree Registry, that might be the 95-foot tall unclassified “big tree” in Blairstown or perhaps the 125-foot tall sugar maple in Hardwick, both of which are classified as champions by the registry.

But the shagbark hickory tree more than makes up for its somewhat smaller stature in a multitude of other ways. Chief among them is the unique hiding place the tree’s ribbony, raised bark provides for bats and insects in need of shelter.

In addition, the shagbark’s wood is reliably solid, making it ideal for use as flooring and furniture. It is also good for making durable tool handles.

In fact, Native Americans are known to have used the shagbark’s wood to make tough, efficient hunting bows.

The name “hickory” actually comes from the Algonquin word “pawcohicorra,” which is the word for the tree’s oily kernels or the milk derived from its nuts. A native tree in NJ forests, the shagbark hickory is even ideal as a natural wood for smoking bacon or other meats and foods.

In May, the shagbark tree produces both female flowers and male catkins. The pollen on these dangling flower formations—which are often thought to be among the first signs of Spring—allows the shagbark to be a self-pollinating entity as the wind naturally sends the pollen into the air, looking for its ultimate destination.

The Shagbark Hickory Tree’s Beachy Waves. — The shagbark hickory tree’s bark is a good habitat for bats and insects. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

The pollinating process yields a nut that is protected by a thick, brownish-black husk, about the size of a golf ball and divided into four segments. The shagbark hickory nut is enjoyed by various animals, including bears, squirrels, and chipmunks, plus certain birds like blue jays and red-bellied woodpeckers who have a particular taste for the nut meat.

Shagbark hickory nuts are also a food source for humans if they are lucky enough to find some that haven’t already been uneaten by our local forest friends—or a pest like the voracious nut weevil. If you are ever able to get your hands on some of these coveted nuts, they work great as a mouth-watering substitute for walnuts or pecans in recipes.

Fun Facts About the Shagbark Hickory Tree

Shagbark hickory is named after the shaggy-looking texture of its bark.
Bats and insects use the eaves of the shaggy bark for shelter.
The word “hickory” comes from the Algonquin “pawcohicorra,” which is the word for the oily food removed from pounded kernels or a nut milk derived from the nuts.
Hickory nuts are protected by a brownish-black husk that is divided into four segments.
Shagbark nuts are enjoyed by people as well as many types of wildlife.

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.