Carya aquatica

RHS Plant Profile
bitter pecan

Other common names

water hickory, swamp hickory

Trees

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.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Juglandaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Carya are vigorous deciduous trees of handsome appearance, the large pinnate leaves colouring well in the autumn; male flowers are in catkins, females are insignificant spikes, followed by nuts, the kernels of some being edible
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE US

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun on any moisture retentive, or wet soil that does not dry out in summer.

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.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to crown gall, Powdery mildews and leaf spot- see leaf damage on woody plants