Specific information for shellbark hickory is not available. Trees include the uncommon Big Shellbark Hickory. The only specific fungus identified from shellbark hickory roots is an ectotrophic mycorrhiza," Laccaria ochropurpurea". Shellbark hickory is widely distributed, but is nowhere common. The hickories as a group grow slowly in diameter, and shellbark hickory is no exception. Shellbark hickory occasionally grows to a height of and a diameter of . Rooting habit&colon; Shellbark hickory develops a large taproot that penetrates deeply into the soil. Shellbark hickory grows best on deep, fertile, moist soils, most typical of the order Alfisols.