Southern Shagbark Hickory
Scientific name: Carya carolinae-septentrionalis
Overview
Southern Shagbark Hickory is a relatively uncommon North American hardwood native to the southeastern United States, where it occurs primarily in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and surrounding states. A member of the Juglandaceae family, it is closely related to the well-known Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) but is recognized as a distinct species by many modern botanists. Like its northern relative, it develops loose, peeling bark and produces exceptionally strong, resilient wood.
The wood possesses the outstanding strength, toughness, and shock resistance that have made hickories among North America’s most respected hardwoods. Although Southern Shagbark Hickory is seldom marketed separately from other hickories, it is suitable for demanding applications requiring durability and impact resistance while also serving as an important native forest species throughout the southeastern United States.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Southern Shagbark Hickory
- Scientific Name: Carya carolinae-septentrionalis
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft (18–30 m) tall, 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,880 lbf
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Southern Shagbark Hickory produces a light brown to pale reddish-brown heartwood surrounded by broad creamy-white sapwood. The grain is generally straight with a medium texture and a low to moderate natural luster. Mature trees develop the characteristic loose, peeling bark associated with shagbark hickories, although the bark strips are often somewhat tighter than those of the northern Shagbark Hickory.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to pale reddish-brown heartwood
- Broad creamy-white sapwood
- Straight grain
- Medium texture
- Low to moderate natural luster
- Loose, peeling bark on mature trees
- Extremely tough and shock resistant wood
Working Properties
Southern Shagbark Hickory machines similarly to other hickory species. Because of its density and toughness, sharp cutting tools are recommended for best results. The wood turns well, sands smoothly, glues effectively, and produces exceptionally durable finished products.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Dense and tough to machine
- Excellent shock resistance
- Turns well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Glues and finishes well
- Excellent nail and screw holding strength
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard woodworking safety practices, including dust collection and respiratory protection, are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Its exceptional strength, toughness, and durability make Southern Shagbark Hickory suitable for numerous woodworking applications, including:
- Tool handles
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Sporting equipment
- Agricultural implements
- Ladder rungs
- Turned objects
- Firewood
- Specialty woodworking projects
Sustainability & Notes
Southern Shagbark Hickory is distributed throughout portions of the southeastern United States, where it grows on well-drained upland forests and fertile slopes. Although it is less common than Shagbark Hickory, the species is not considered commercially threatened and is typically harvested along with other hickory species.
Its durable wood and edible nuts provide ecological value for wildlife while contributing to the diversity of southeastern hardwood forests.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Shellbark Hickory – A larger hickory species with similar wood properties and outstanding strength, commonly found in bottomland forests.
Black Hickory – Another southern hickory adapted to drier upland habitats and valued for its exceptionally tough wood.
Nutmeg Hickory – A rare southeastern species sharing similar wood characteristics but occurring in much smaller, scattered populations.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs. Straight Grain – Learn how grain orientation affects machining, strength, and the appearance of finished lumber.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explore why strong domestic hardwoods such as hickory remain popular choices for durable furniture.
How to Start a Wood Collection – Learn practical tips for building a diverse hardwood collection representing native and exotic species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Southern Shagbark Hickory is an excellent addition to a documented North American hardwood collection because it represents one of the lesser-known members of the Carya genus. Although its lumber is usually marketed together with other hickories, authenticated specimens help illustrate the diversity found within this important hardwood group. Displaying this species alongside Black Hickory, Scrub Hickory, Nutmeg Hickory, Water Hickory, and Shellbark Hickory provides an outstanding comparison of the varied habitats and characteristics found among North America’s native hickories.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
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As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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