bitter pecan

Also known as: water hickory; swamp hickory

A slow growing, deciduous tree with mid-green, pinnate leaves (several leaflets on one leaf stalk) that enjoys moist or boggy soil conditions. When mature, they have grey-brown peeling bark and a widely spreading, well-branched canopy that casts heavy shade. Trees are slow to mature, taking around 20 years to produce clusters of yellow-green, ribbed, oval-shaped fruits containing a hard seed/nut. Fruiting occurs best in hot summers.

Scientific classification

Species: bitter pecan (Carya aquatica)
Genus: Carya
Family: Juglandaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: 4-8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

bitter pecan pictures

Distribution of bitter pecan

Distribution map

Southeastern US

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of bitter pecan

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bitter pecan care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed (tree/shrub); which requires a period of cold stratification. After germination, seedlings rapidly develop a deep tap root and resent disturbance so plant out in permanent position in the first year.