Yamhill Hazelnut vs Burton Hican
Corylus avellana Yamhill
Carya ovata x illinoinensis Burton
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The Yamhill Hazelnut is a tasty, relatively cold hardy hazelnut that is a popular European variety.
It is known to be a strong grower and has moderate eastern filbert blight resistance. It is a suitable pollinizer for the York Hazelnut and European Hazelnut.
Introduced by Oregon State University, The Yamhill Hazelnut is used by Ferror Roche for their candy and chocolate spread desserts.
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.
Burton Hican is a rare cross between Shagbark Hickory and Pecan. Most Hickory x Pecan hybrids are not reliable producers but the Burton Hican produces large crops annually (in warmer climates). The medium sized nuts fall in between the Pecan and Hickory and are known for having a great flavor. They are well suited to fresh eating, cooking, and baking with a good storage life.
Hicans will carry features from both species. The Hickory influence causes earlier ripening times while the taste and productivity come from the Pecan. The Pecan genetics also cause the nuts to have a thinner shell that is easier to crack and the pecan-like shape makes kernel removal easier.
The Burton Hican is generally considered self pollinating but having a second variety for cross pollination will increase nut production. They have been known to cross pollinate with other Hicans, Shagbark Hickory, and some Pecans. Nut production is expected after 7-10 years.
Note: Plant this tree once. Due to its large tap root transplanting is not recommended.