Korean Pine vs Burton Hican - TreeTime.ca

Korean Pine vs Burton Hican

Pinus koraiensis

Carya ovata x illinoinensis Burton

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Korean Pine
Burton Hican

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.

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.

Korean Pine Quick Facts

Burton Hican Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5b
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long blue-green needles
Nuts: large edible seeds
Nuts: medium sized nut
Flavor: Hickory flavoured, rich
Harvest: Oct-Nov
Cones: attractive edible pine nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: chinese pinenut
Other Names: hican burton