Shellbark hickory, also known as Kingnut Hickory. This majestic denizen of valley forests and savannas in the east makes the largest hickory nut in North America — in fact, it is the largest native nut in North America. The nut carries a rich flavor and the character of the tree makes for a stately presence.
These seedlings of shellbark hickory are grown from the best cultivar genetics in terms of crackability, size, flavor, productivity, etc., for their species. Most are from open-pollinated nuts from all-grafted cultivar orchards, or from outstanding wild trees. What makes a quality selection? The biggest factors are: 1) ease of crackability; 2) kernel:shell ratio — 30-40% is in the “outstanding” range for shellbark.
Select from the choices below, or choose Assorted Bundles to receive a diverse mix of good genetics.
Big Cypress seedlings — variety from Eugene Ulrich. 21.7% kernel @ 6.1g.
Fayette seedlings — name-sake variety from Fayette Etter, Franklin county, PA. One of the best shellbark varieties known and tested, and also proven to make good seedlings with potential to be as good or better than the parent. 30-40% kernel @ 4.0-4.8g.
Hoffeditz seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter, Franklin county, PA.
Henry seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter of Franklin county, PA. Large nut, very high productivity (lateral bearing), and high-weevil resistance. 25% kernel @ 4-6g.
Keystone seedlings — Fayette Etter loved this nut so much he named it Keystone, to represent his state of Pennsylvania. Original tree from Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania. Among the best of the best for shellbark hickory (although technically 75:25 shellbark:shagbark hybrid). 35-40% kernel @ 6.5-7.0g.
Longenecker seedlings — variety introduced by Miles Nolt, Lancaster county PA. Large nut that cracks beautifully and tree is productive. 31% kernel @ 4.2-5.9g.
Nook seedlings — very large shellbark. Has a very thick shell but kernel extracts well. 20.7% kernel @ 8.5g.
Scholl seedlings — this shellbark comes from Ohio and won a 1934 contest. Scholl is a heavy, annual bearer and one of the best examples of a shellbark there is. 39% kernel @ 7.17g.
Simpson #1 seedlings — the original Simpson tree comes from Pine Lick, Kentucky. This variety introduced and popularized by Fred Blankenship. Very heavy annual bearer. Shells moderately thick but cracks beautifully, with an open cavity. 25% kernel @ 4.6-5.0g.
Stauffer seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter of Franklin county, PA. 29% kernel @ 4.4-5.0g.
Stephens seedlings — extremely large nut from Missouri or Kansas. With the husks on, nuts can be fully 4 inches around. Without the husk and in the shell, nuts are 2-2.5 inches across! 20-27% kernel @ 10-12g.
Ulrich seedlings — this variety probably comes from Eugene Ulrich of Illinois.
Shellbark hickory, also known as Kingnut Hickory. This majestic denizen of valley forests and savannas in the east makes the largest hickory nut in North America — in fact, it is the largest native nut in North America. The nut carries a rich flavor and the character of the tree makes for a stately presence.
These seedlings of shellbark hickory are grown from the best cultivar genetics in terms of crackability, size, flavor, productivity, etc., for their species. Most are from open-pollinated nuts from all-grafted cultivar orchards, or from outstanding wild trees. What makes a quality selection? The biggest factors are: 1) ease of crackability; 2) kernel:shell ratio — 30-40% is in the “outstanding” range for shellbark.
Select from the choices below, or choose Assorted Bundles to receive a diverse mix of good genetics.
Big Cypress seedlings — variety from Eugene Ulrich. 21.7% kernel @ 6.1g.
Fayette seedlings — name-sake variety from Fayette Etter, Franklin county, PA. One of the best shellbark varieties known and tested, and also proven to make good seedlings with potential to be as good or better than the parent. 30-40% kernel @ 4.0-4.8g.
Hoffeditz seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter, Franklin county, PA.
Henry seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter of Franklin county, PA. Large nut, very high productivity (lateral bearing), and high-weevil resistance. 25% kernel @ 4-6g.
Keystone seedlings — Fayette Etter loved this nut so much he named it Keystone, to represent his state of Pennsylvania. Original tree from Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania. Among the best of the best for shellbark hickory (although technically 75:25 shellbark:shagbark hybrid). 35-40% kernel @ 6.5-7.0g.
Longenecker seedlings — variety introduced by Miles Nolt, Lancaster county PA. Large nut that cracks beautifully and tree is productive. 31% kernel @ 4.2-5.9g.
Nook seedlings — very large shellbark. Has a very thick shell but kernel extracts well. 20.7% kernel @ 8.5g.
Scholl seedlings — this shellbark comes from Ohio and won a 1934 contest. Scholl is a heavy, annual bearer and one of the best examples of a shellbark there is. 39% kernel @ 7.17g.
Simpson #1 seedlings — the original Simpson tree comes from Pine Lick, Kentucky. This variety introduced and popularized by Fred Blankenship. Very heavy annual bearer. Shells moderately thick but cracks beautifully, with an open cavity. 25% kernel @ 4.6-5.0g.
Stauffer seedlings — variety from Fayette Etter of Franklin county, PA. 29% kernel @ 4.4-5.0g.
Stephens seedlings — extremely large nut from Missouri or Kansas. With the husks on, nuts can be fully 4 inches around. Without the husk and in the shell, nuts are 2-2.5 inches across! 20-27% kernel @ 10-12g.
Ulrich seedlings — this variety probably comes from Eugene Ulrich of Illinois.
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