The shagbark hickory is the symbol of the Pioneer Age. Shagbark hickory's most prominent ornamental feature is its unique, smoke-gray bark that warps away from the stem in foot-long plates. The edges of long plates of bark curl away from the trunk, giving this tree a very rugged appearance. Shagbark hickory is beautiful when its winter buds open in late spring; the bud scales fold back, petal-like, as new foliage emerges. This hickory offers lightly hung, downy foliage that casts medium shade in summer. An added attraction for this tree is the delicious edible nut it bears. Shagbark hickory thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained loam. Its native habitat is upland groves or well-drained soils in lowlands and valleys. Wild hickories have deep tap roots that make them difficult to transplant. This tree is best planted in a park-like area where its large size and litter from leaf, fruit and twig drop will not be a problem. Its savory nuts attract squirrels and other animals that may be unwanted in residential areas. The hickory bark beetle can be a significant pest on this tree. Hickory may be bothered by leaf spot, powdery mildew and crown gall but is resistant to Verticillium wilt.