Bitternut Hickory Seedling

Species: Carya cordiformis

History: Bitternut Hickory grows throughout the eastern United States and into parts of southern Ontario and Quebec. It is closely related to the pecan, hence its other name Pecan Hickory, but does not produce edible nuts, hence its common name. Instead, its durable wood has been used to make furniture, tool handles, etc., to smoke meat, and is used by indigenous peoples to make bows.

Why We Grow It: Bitternut Hickory produces one of the most durable native hard woods available; excellent for furniture, paneling, tool handles, ladders, etc., and makes nice chips for smoking meat. These trees add the value of diversification to your landscape and can help feed wildlife as well.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4

Soil Preference: Rich loam

Growth Habits: Tree reaches 35m in height; slow growing.

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Self-pollinating, this variety will produce nuts without another tree but will produce more and better fruit if one is present. The nuts are inedible to humans but are eaten by wildlife.

Recommended Use: Hardwood for furniture and woodworking

Height not including roots: 10-15cm