False Shagbark
Carya ovalis
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Sweet Pignut Hickory is a large native deciduous tree that develops an oval to rounded crown at maturity. It produces small yellowish-green flowers in late spring followed by edible nuts in fall, with leaves turning golden yellow in autumn.
In an HOA neighborhood
False Shagbark is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Drops nuts and leaves in fall requiring cleanup
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
Wildlife value
This tree supports bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. The nuts provide food for squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does False Shagbark need?
- False Shagbark grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does False Shagbark bloom?
- False Shagbark blooms in May and June.
- Where is False Shagbark native?
- False Shagbark (Carya ovalis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does False Shagbark attract?
- False Shagbark draws bees and beetles.
- Is False Shagbark HOA-friendly?
- False Shagbark is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow False Shagbark? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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