Kentucky Coffeetree vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Kentucky Coffeetree vs Hardy Pecan

Gymnocladus dioicus

Carya illinoinensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Kentucky Coffeetree
Hardy Pecan

The Kentucky Coffeetree has the largest leaves of any native tree in North America! In the summer, its large green canopy provides shade. While in the winter, its leathery bean pods act as a decorative element against the sky as they rattle in the wind. Beautiful year-round, this tree is an elegant addition to any landscape.

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.

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $14.99 - SAVE UP TO 50%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: yellow
Nuts: oval, brown
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none



Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans

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