Because hickory trees are tap-rooted and don’t nursery well, they are seldom planted in the urban/suburban landscape. Yet they are native trees that deserve a place in our communities.

They are long-lived trees, slow to start, but once established they grow quickly. Of special note to Friends School students: hickory trees are the preferred place for Luna Moths to lay their eggs.

Consider planting a Shagbark Hickory for the next century. This rugged member of the upland woodland and savanna communities is now a rarity in our metropolitan area and becoming ever scarcer statewide.

It flourishes in full sun in any soil, from very dry to moderately moist. During the first few years the above-ground portion barely grows while the root grows several feet into the ground. This strong underground root allows the tree vigorous resprouting ability to survive repeated browsing by deer and rodents.

In spring, its opening terminal buds look like huge red blossoms as they unfold. In the summer, dark green leaves are the primary food source for Saturnidae caterpillars. The Saturnidae include Cecropia, Luna, Prometheus and Polyphemus moths–the big ones that are so amazing to discover.

In autumn the leaves turn a warm golden color. The sweet nuts are favored by wildlife and humans. And its peeling, shaggy bark provides interest through the winter.