Korean Pine vs Shagbark Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Korean Pine vs Shagbark Hickory

Pinus koraiensis

Carya ovata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Korean Pine
Shagbark Hickory

Korean Pine is an attractive conifer suitable for shelterbelts, privacy screens, and ornamental planting. This tree is especially prized for its pine nuts. Korean Pine nuts are larger than most other species. They can be used in salads, pesto sauce, and other foods.

This conifer is generally tolerant of urban conditions but much prefers cool summer climates.

Shagbark Hickory is a unique tree both for its looks and uses. Its bark peels into long thin vertical strips giving it a shaggy appearance. This and its golden fall leaves make it a gorgeous looking tree. This species produces tasty hickory nuts once mature. Hickory smoke is also treasured for curing meats and its generally fantastic smell.

This tree is best planted away from any buildings due to a deep taproot and large size. Many people remark on the unusual taproot for this tree that can be over 6 feet deep while the plant only has 2 feet of top growth.

Korean Pine Quick Facts

Shagbark Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long blue-green needles
Bark: shaggy looking bark peels vertically in long strips
Nuts: large edible seeds
Nuts: similar to pecans
Cones: attractive edible pine nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: chinese pinenut
Other Names: carolina hickory, scalybark hickory, shellbark hickory, upland hickory