Black Walnut vs Burton Hican
Juglans nigra
Carya ovata x illinoinensis Burton
The Black Walnut is a slow growing, large, straight-stemmed tree with an open crown. It produces dense, very hard, edible nuts.
Black Walnut has a deeply-furrowed, black bark. Its leaves are about 1 foot long, composed of 15 - 23 slightly stalked leaflets on a moderately stout stock which provide good dappled shade.
Despite being highly valued for its edible nuts and its shade tree aesthetics, it is rare to see this tree on the prairies.
Note: Black Walnut's roots produce a substance named juglone that is toxic to some other plants. Consider this when choosing where you plant a black walnut, as you will not be able to grow tomato, potato, cabbage, eggplant, blueberry, azalea, rhododendron, lilac, red pine and apple in the surrounding area.
Note: Plant this tree once. It will not respond well to transplanting.
Note: Although self-pollinating, planting two trees significantly improves nut production.
A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.
Burton Hican is a rare cross between Shagbark Hickory and Pecan. Most Hickory x Pecan hybrids are not reliable producers but the Burton Hican produces large crops annually (in warmer climates). The medium sized nuts fall in between the Pecan and Hickory and are known for having a great flavor. They are well suited to fresh eating, cooking, and baking with a good storage life.
Hicans will carry features from both species. The Hickory influence causes earlier ripening times while the taste and productivity come from the Pecan. The Pecan genetics also cause the nuts to have a thinner shell that is easier to crack and the pecan-like shape makes kernel removal easier.
The Burton Hican is generally considered self pollinating but having a second variety for cross pollination will increase nut production. They have been known to cross pollinate with other Hicans, Shagbark Hickory, and some Pecans. Nut production is expected after 7-10 years.
Note: Plant this tree once. Due to its large tap root transplanting is not recommended.