Shagbark Hickory is an easily recognized, common member of our hardwood forests.  It is easily recognizable with its shaggy, peeling bark, red twigs, and leaves with 5 leaflets (occasionally 6 or 7.)  Of course it is the bark that gives this species its common name.  The nuts are encased in a yellowish thick husk and fall in September and October.  These nuts are edible.  Shagbark Hickory is an important part of many dry forest ecosystems.  The fruits are eaten by squirrels, opossums, and turkey, and the twigs provide browse for rabbits and deer.  Commercially Hickory wood is important in a number of household products such as chairs, tool handles, and baskets.  The wood also makes good fuel.