Shagbark Hickory vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Shagbark Hickory vs Tulip Tree

Carya ovata

Liriodendron tulipifera

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Shagbark Hickory
Tulip Tree

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.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Shagbark Hickory Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: shaggy looking bark peels vertically in long strips
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Nuts: similar to pecans
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: ON
Other Names: carolina hickory, scalybark hickory, shellbark hickory, upland hickory
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar