Definition

Noun: 1. A type of hickory tree: A large hickory tree (Carya laciniosa) native to the eastern United States, known for its distinctive, deeply furrowed bark that peels away in long, thick strips. 2. The nut of this tree: The large, edible nut produced by the big shellbark hickory, which is notably bigger than that of the shagbark hickory.

Usage and Examples

• The big shellbark is a majestic tree often found in bottomlands and rich soils.
• Squirrels are particularly fond of the nuts from the big shellbark.
• You can identify a big shellbark by its shaggy, plated bark and its very large nuts.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The big shellbark is also commonly called the kingnut hickory due to the size of its nut.
• It is a member of the walnut family (Juglandaceae). Its wood is hard and strong, valued for tool handles and smoking meats.

Variants and Related Words

• Shellbark Hickory: A general term that can refer to both the big shellbark () and the shagbark hickory (), though it most precisely denotes the big shellbark.
• Shagbark Hickory (): A closely related hickory tree with similarly shaggy bark but a smaller nut, often compared to the big shellbark.
• Hickory: The broader category of deciduous trees to which the big shellbark belongs.

Synonyms

• Kingnut
• Kingnut Hickory
• (scientific name)
• Big Shellbark Hickory

Noun

1. hickory of the eastern United States resembling the shagbark but having a much larger nut