Korean Pine vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Korean Pine vs Bitternut Hickory

Pinus koraiensis

Carya cordiformis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Korean Pine
Bitternut Hickory

Korean Pine is an attractive conifer suitable for shelterbelts, privacy screens, and ornamental planting. This tree is especially prized for its pine nuts. Korean Pine nuts are larger than most other species. They can be used in salads, pesto sauce, and other foods.

This conifer is generally tolerant of urban conditions but much prefers cool summer climates.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

Korean Pine Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long blue-green needles
Bark: ridged, durable
Nuts: large edible seeds
Nuts: bitter
Cones: attractive edible pine nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: chinese pinenut
Other Names: swamp hickory