shagbark hickory

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• shagbark hickory
• upland hickory
• shellbark hickory

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Juglans alba var. ovata
• Juglans alba ovata
• Carya alba subsp. ovata
• Juglans ovata
• Hicorius ovata
• Scoria ovata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Juglandaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Carya, specifically identified as Carya ovata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution that spans both the European and North American continents. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Poland. Its range extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically throughout the country of Romania. The species is also established in the Caucasus region, occurring in both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus. Additionally, the plant is located in Eastern Canada, particularly within the province of Ontario.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Carya ovata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it lives for many years and undergoes continuous growth cycles throughout its lifespan. As a long-lived deciduous tree, it establishes itself through the germination of seeds, which typically require specific environmental conditions to transition from the seedling stage to a mature woody structure. During its developmental stages, the plant invests heavily in a robust root system and a sturdy trunk to support its eventual canopy. Its lifecycle is governed by seasonal rhythms, involving an annual period of dormancy during the winter months, followed by a period of active foliage production and flowering in the spring and summer. The reproductive phase involves the production of small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually develop into nutlets, which serve as the primary mechanism for dispersal and the continuation of the species across successive generations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Carya ovata is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 34.36 meters. As a terrestrial species, it exists independently of other organisms, functioning as a non-parasitic and non-epiphytic plant. It is a self-supporting structure, lacking any climbing or vining tendencies, and maintains a solid, woody composition throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

34.36 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Carya ovata is characterized by a complex set of metabolic and structural processes adapted to temperate deciduous forest environments. A fundamental component of its metabolic profile is its photosynthetic pathway, which follows the C3 mechanism, utilizing the enzyme Rubisco to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide during the Calvin cycle. This C3 pathway dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and transpiration rates, making its gas exchange processes highly sensitive to ambient temperature and moisture availability. To support its massive structural growth, the plant employs a robust vascular system consisting of xylem and phloem for the long-distance transport of water, minerals, and photosynthates. Its carbon sequestration is driven by seasonal rhythms, where high rates of photosynthesis during the active growing season are supported by extensive root systems that facilitate nutrient uptake and water absorption from the soil. Furthermore, the plant exhibits physiological adaptations to seasonal dormancy, involving the regulation of osmotic potential and the mobilization of stored carbohydrates to survive freezing temperatures during the winter months.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Carya ovata is characterized by a specific phenological window and distinct seed characteristics. The flowering period typically commences in March and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a highly consistent mass profile, with a mean seed mass of approximately 4.5074 g. The individual seed weight ranges from a minimum of 4.1741 g to a maximum of 4.5455 g. In terms of seed dissemination, the species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to facilitate the movement of its seeds to new locations.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Seed mass max:

4.5455 g

Seed mass mean:

4.5074 g

Seed mass min:

4.1741 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Carya ovata has 55 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ALUMINUM, ANTIMONY, ARSENIC, Antioxidants, Ash.

ALUMINUM

1. Dr. Duke

ANTIMONY

1. Dr. Duke

ARSENIC

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxidants

1. Inflammopharmacology

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

BARIUM

1. Dr. Duke

BORON

1. Dr. Duke

BROMINE

1. Dr. Duke

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

CADMIUM

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Carya ovata has 262 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ACE-Inhibitor, AP-1-Inhibitor, ATPase-Inhibitor, Acarifuge, Acnegenic.

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

AP-1-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ATPase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acarifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Acnegenic

1. Dr. Duke

Amphiglycemic?

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

Anorexic

1. Dr. Duke