Shellbark hickory (Cayra laciniosa) is a distinctive tree due to its shaggy bark. It is grouped with the “true hickories”. Shellbark hickory is also called kingnut, bottom shellbark and western shellbark. Trees can grow 80 to 100 feet tall with diameters between 30 and 40 inches. It can be confused with shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) but number of leaflets per leaf can be used to visually tell them apart; shellbark has seven leaflets and shagbark usually has five. Shellbark nuts are the largest of all hickory nuts and enjoyed by wildlife and people alike. The wood is hard, heavy and strong.