The bark of older trees has a shaggy appearance that provides winter interest in the landscape. The trunk may mature to 2-3 feet in diameter. The nuts produced are valued by wildlife and are sold commercially for humans. The wood has multiple uses including curing meat. It may take 40 years for this tree to produce nuts but it lives for 200-300 years of age.
Note: Use as a shade tree for a large yard, in a park or naturalized area.
Wildlife value: Host plant for Banded Hairstreak butterfly and many moths including the Luna moth. The nuts are eaten by a variety of wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks, and black bears. Moderately resistant to deer. This plant supports Hickory Horndevil larvae
Edibility: Nuts are edible and sweet.
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.