This large tree with straight trunk is 70-100' in height and 2.5' (0.8m) in diameter. It has a narrow rounded crown, large leaves, and the largest hickory nuts. The leaves are pinnately compound and 12-20" (30-50cm) long. They are shiny dark green above and beneath they are pale green, covered with soft downy hairs. The bark is light grey; rough and shaggy, separating into four feet long loosely attached strips. The nuts are thick shelled and nearly round, with an edible seed. Theses trees are usually found in habitats that are soil rich, moist or wet soils of flood plains valleys and bottomlands, with other hardwoods. This species is easily distinguished from the other hickories by having the largest leaves and nuts, and the orange twigs. It is commonly found along the Niagara River.