There are three varieties of Shagbark Hickory. The variety in New York State is Carya ovata var. ovata. This is the appearance of the bark of these trees.

Mature shagbarks are easy to recognize because, as their name implies, they have shaggy bark. This is on mature trees only, the young have smooth bark.

To the right is the smooth bark of a young Shagbark Hickory.