Ironwood Tree vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Ironwood Tree vs Hardy Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

Ostrya virginiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Hardy Pecan
Ironwood Tree

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.

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Flowers: yellow
Nuts: oval, brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: carya pecan, faux hickory, hicoria pecan, illinois nut, illinois nut tree, pecan hickory, soft-shelled hickory, sweet pecan