Shagbark hickory
Carya ovata
A woodland tree whose mature bark peels into long loose strips. Its hard-shelled nuts have sweet kernels used fresh or in baking.
Native range
Eastern North America, including southern Ontario. Present in Toronto-region woodland but less widespread than black walnut.
Typical season
Broad autumn nut-fall reference; trees do not crop equally every year. Leave nuts for wildlife and avoid stripping small stands.
Identification
Check compound leaves, usually five leaflets, shaggy mature bark and thick nut husks that split into four sections. Young trees lack shaggy bark, so use several features. Distinguish bitter hickories and toxic horse-chestnuts; reject mouldy nuts and consider tree-nut allergies.