Bitternut Hickory vs Schuettes Oak - TreeTime.ca

Bitternut Hickory vs Schuettes Oak

Carya cordiformis

Quercus × schuettei (Quercus bicolor × Quercus macrocarpa)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bitternut Hickory
Schuettes Oak

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.

Schuettes Oak is a naturally occurring hybrid of Swamp White Oak and Bur Oak. With a faster growth than both parent species, it is one of the fastest growing Oak trees. They are known for growing very large and wide, so space them appropriately. It is considered one of the most adaptable Oaks with little preference on soil conditions. It can handle growing in wet, saturated soils as well as those that are dry, clay, or alkaline.

The Schuettes Oak has very large acorns. They have a large cup portion like the Bur Oak, but without the fringe. Due to the Swamp White Oak parentage, the acorns have less tannins and a sweeter taste. They are a food source for various wildlife including birds, squirrels, and deer.

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Schuettes Oak Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: when injested, can be toxic for many animals
Bark: ridged, durable
Nuts: bitter
Nuts: large, sweet acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: swamp hickory
Other Names: schuette oak, schuettes hybrid oak, swamp bur oak