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SHAGBARK HICKORY (Carya orata)
BITTERNUT HICKORY (Carya cordiformis)
Other names: hickory, shagbark; bitternut, pignut,
pecan, swamp hickory.

VERY GOOD

There are many species of hickory but the two listed here are found throughout the lower Great Lakes states and eastern half of the country. These hickories are moderate to fast growing trees, reach up to 3 ft. in diameter and an age of 200 years, if not cut or fire damaged. If fungus infection is not severe these trees will completely heal an injury in 20 or 30 years, with little trace of a scar in the rough bark. When dead and fallen the wood decays rapidly, and more so if in wet land conditions. There may be little or no trace of the rotted stump. 

Hickories were a favorite bearing tree of the original surveyors. At this time (1972) there is no report of the characteristics of a recovered original hickory though many must have been by sheer weight of numbers. Since the trees are desirable as lumber, veneer, handles, etc., most large trees have undoubtedly been cut. 

Select young vigorously growing trees, keep the blaze narrow, smoothly drained, and use a sharp scribe. Paint thoroughly.