The distinguishing bark is borne in long, loose, flattened plates with curved ends - hence the term "shagbark." The leaflets are rounded at the base and taper at the tip and have fine teeth; they are pale green in color and up to seven inches in length. Each leaf is typically composed of five leaflets, with the entire leaf as much as 14 inches in length. Thus, the leaflets appear rather feathery. Male flowers are catkins, borne in clusters. The globe-shaped fruits are often grouped in pairs and are up to two inches long. They are dark at maturity.

The hickory nuts are edible and were ground and made into a liquid form by native peoples. The wood is an excellent source of firewood, burning very hot; it is also utilized as a charcoal and is useful for tools and decorative items.

These trees are grown from seed collected in Michigan and are entering their fourth season.