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 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown gall, Powdery mildews and leaf spot- see leaf damage on woody plants
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.