Life History and Disturbance Response of Carya laciniosa (Shellback Hickory)
Family: Juglandaceae
Guild: persistent, large-seeded, advance growth dependent
Functional Lifeform: medium-large deciduous tree
Ecological Role: A slow growing tree most often found in deep moist soils associated with bottom lands. Although it may be found in pure stands it most often found singly in association with other hardwoods. Its nuts are eaten by both people and wildlife
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 200/300
Shade Tolerance: very tolerant
Height, m: to 40m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 40/75/200
Mast Frequency, yrs: 2yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: yes
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/gravity, animal
Season of Germination: late spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot
Sprouting: sprouts readily when cut
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: loam
Light: overstory shade
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: variable
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Shellback hickory bole is often injured by fire and fire injuries are often a site for invasion for wood rot fungi.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: