Native Plant Spotlight | Shagbark Hickory

Native to Riverwoods, Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a large slow growing deciduous tree with an irregular, oval-rounded crown. The sweet nuts it produces are an important food source for squirrels, birds and other animals. It can live up to 200-300 years

• Ornamental Value: non-showy, greenish yellow flowers appear in April-May which become edible oval-rounded nuts. Its bark is smooth and gray on young trees, but becomes loose and shaggy as it ages, hence its name. Leaves turn yellow and brown in the fall.  It's appropriate for landscaped planting.
• Growing Conditions: full to partial sun in moist but well drained soil is preferred. 
• Mature Size: 60 to 80 feet tall with a trunk 2 to 3 1/2 feet in diameter. 

Native Tree & Shrub Planting Cost-Share Program

To help restore the ecological health of our woodlands, residents are encouraged to plant native trees, shrubs, flowers and other plant species.  You might qualify for a Native Tree & Shrub Planting cost-share program, with the Village covering half of the cost of the plants and the planting. 

Your property may qualify for one or more of the Village's Cost-Share programs, which can not only help restore the ecological health of Riverwoods, but can also improve your property's ornamental landscape and real estate value. To see which cost-share programs your property qualifies for, request an Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist.