Whitebark Pine vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Whitebark Pine vs Hardy Pecan

Pinus albicaulis

Carya illinoinensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Whitebark Pine
Hardy Pecan

Endangered

Whitebark Pine is a beautiful coniferous tree that produces tasty, edible nuts. You'll love this trees' rustic and natural appeal, making it an excellent specimen tree.

It is an endangered species from the Rocky Mountains, this slow grower seldom produces cones until it is 50 years old but regularly survives to be 500 or more years of age. Our staff think it is among the most attractive pines we have grown.

Whitebark Pine is well-known for maintaining snow drifts, providing food and shelter to many species of wildlife, and bringing stability to steep slopes. This high elevation and adaptable tree is deer resistant and can withstand a variety of soils and moisture levels.

Hardy Pecan trees are known for their edible nuts that ripen in late autumn. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be used in a wide range of baked goods. If stored properly in a cool, dry location, they can be kept for up to 6 months in their shell. Trees tend to bear nuts at maturity, which occurs around 6 -10 years. The size and form of this tree also makes it a great shade or feature tree for your landscape.

For nut production, it is recommended that at least 2-3 are planted so that cross pollination can occur. In colder areas it is likely that nut production will be limited, especially in locations with late frosts and shorter growing seasons.

If exposed to high winds, Hardy Pecan is known to lose branches, but these can be used as firewood, or to smoke foods with a hickory flavour. Finding seed or seedlings of this tree is rare in Canada.

Note: plant this tree once. It will not respond well to transplanting.

Whitebark Pine Quick Facts

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $14.99 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: yellow
Nuts: oval, brown
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none




Other Names: carya pecan, faux hickory, hicoria pecan, illinois nut, illinois nut tree, pecan hickory, soft-shelled hickory, sweet pecan