Carya aquatica
bitter pecan
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.
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Gold | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Juglandaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown gall, Powdery mildews and leaf spot- see leaf damage on woody plants
Get involved
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