Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata

shimënshi

Recognized by the combination of often conspicuously exfoliating bark, leaves usually with 5 leaflets, and comparatively large, round nuts with thick husks.

In Lenape culture the hickory tree is used in basketry. The strips are made from the layer of wood just under the bark. A hickory log is pounded completely around to loosen the splints. Next a knife is used to separate the splints from the log. The splints are shaved thin and used for baskets.