Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa

I tasted a Shellbark Hickory Nut for the first time today and was surprised by how delicious it was. It was sweet and buttery; almost like Butter Brickle Ice Cream.

At the PGT you can find Shellbark Hickories in the rich soil along Hiller’s Creek. The nuts of Shellbark Hickory are much larger than the more common Shagbark Hickory. I took a picture showing the two different nuts in my hand. Not only are the Shagbark Hickory nuts smaller, but they are not nearly as delicious.

Thanks to Jeffrey Carstens for encouraging me to try these nuts and for helping me to identify the trees.