Bitternut Hickory vs York Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Bitternut Hickory vs York Hazelnut

Carya cordiformis

Corylus avellana York

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bitternut Hickory
York Hazelnut

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.

The York Hazelnut is a high yielding deciduous tree. It produces delicious medium to large sized nuts that are great for eating or making a paste. Known to be resistant to eastern filbert blight.

It has a long bloom season and is compatible with most cultivars, making it a great pollinizer. Try pairing York Hazelnut with Yamhill Hazelnut.

Not all hazelnuts pollinate with each other so it is important to pick the correct pollination pairs. Two compatible varieties of hazelnut are required to produce nuts. Nuts will only be produced once maturity is reached, around 2-3 years.

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

York Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Bark: ridged, durable
Nuts: bitter
Nuts: large
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: swamp hickory