Bur Oak vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs Hardy Pecan

Quercus macrocarpa

Carya illinoinensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bur Oak
Hardy Pecan

Bur Oak has a wide distribution but is one of the only oaks that will grow well on the prairies. Bur Oak produces deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn golden yellow to brown in the fall.

Its acorns are round and half enclosed by a mossy fringed cup.

Although slower growing, this long lived tree eventually becomes a popular large ornamental tree for driveways, parks, and the front of industrial buildings. Popular as a memorial or dedication tree.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

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.

Bur Oak Quick Facts

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 67%
Zone: 2b
Zone: 5a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Flowers: yellow
Nuts: small acorns
Nuts: oval, brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak
Other Names: carya pecan, faux hickory, hicoria pecan, illinois nut, illinois nut tree, pecan hickory, soft-shelled hickory, sweet pecan