Bitternut Hickory vs Hardy Pecan

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.

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.

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