Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be wavy or irregular. The texture is coarse with a cathedral figure when flat-sawn. End grain shows large, ring-porous earlywood pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is tan to reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Often sold together as 'Calico Hickory.' It darkens slightly with age to a more golden hue.
Hardness Rating
1,880 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable. It has very low resistance to rot and is susceptible to insect attack, particularly powderpost beetles.
Common Uses
Tool handles (axes, hammers), ladder rungs, wheel spokes, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and fuel/smoking wood for meats.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southeast Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The log is from a limb or young tree approximately 15-25 years old based on ring count; the sample appears freshly split within the last few months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to extreme hardness/density. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though pre-boring for screws is mandatory.
Notable Features
Exhibits iconic 'shaggy' bark that peels in long strips. Known for exceptional shock resistance and strength. Emits a distinct, pleasant fragrance when burned.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) highlight the grain, while polyurethane provides necessary protection for high-wear flooring use.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic large, peeling plates of bark and the contrast between the pale sapwood and reddish heartwood are diagnostic of Carya ovata.