The shagbark hickory is the symbol of thePioneer Age. The strong, fl exible wood from this Kentuckynative is the most valuable of all of the hickories. Shagbarkhickory’s most prominent ornamental feature is its unique,smoke-gray bark that warps away from the stem in footlongplates. The edges of long plates of bark curl awayfrom the trunk, giving this tree a very rugged appearance.Shagbark hickory is beautiful when its winter buds openin late spring; the bud scales fold back, petal-like, as newfoliage emerges. This hickory offers lightly-hung, downyfoliage that casts medium shade in summer. An added attractionfor this tree is the delicious edible nut it bears.