Yellowbud Hickory(Carya cordiformis)
Yellowbud Hickory(Carya cordiformis)
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Why We Grow It
Why We Grow It
We grow northern pecan for people who are planning long-term, resilient landscapes and want a truly high-value tree crop that fits into colder climates. These northern strains can ripen nuts where standard southern pecans fail, offering a reliable source of rich, calorie-dense food plus excellent wildlife habitat and eventual timber value. As part of a food forest or agroforestry system, northern pecan serves as a canopy species that stacks nuts, shade, carbon, and long-term resilience into a single planting.
How the Plant Grows
How the Plant Grows
Northern pecan grows into a large, long-lived shade tree with a strong central leader, deep taproot, and broad, airy canopy. Growth is steady rather than fast in the early years as the tree invests heavily in root development, then accelerates once established. The tree leafs out late in spring, helping it avoid frost damage, and produces separate male and female flowers that are wind-pollinated. Over time, it develops a stately form and a deep root system that allows it to handle drought, wind, and variable weather with ease.
Plant Size
Plant Size
Size at Maturity- 60–90 ft tall, 40–70 ft wide
Current Size- 8"-18" Top Growth with 8"+ taproot
Additional Info
Additional Info
Native North American hardwood valued for both high-quality nuts and timber; northern seed sources selected for earlier ripening and better cold tolerance than standard southern pecan types
Yellowbud Hickory (Carya cordiformis) is a hardy, fast-growing native hickory known for its distinctive sulfur-yellow buds, tall straight form, and strong timber. This species thrives across a wide northern range and is one of the most cold-tolerant hickories, making it well suited for Canadian and short-season growers. While the nuts are bitter and mainly valued for wildlife, Yellowbud Hickory is prized for its resilience, ecological value, and high-quality hardwood. It’s an excellent long-term canopy species for food forests, silvopasture, and restoration plantings.
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Plant Highlights
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Water
Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture when young, becoming more drought tolerant once deeply established
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Pollination
Full sun; needs good light for nut production
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Soil
Prefers deep, well-drained loam or alluvial soils; tolerates a range of soils if not chronically waterlogged or extremely shallow
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Years to Bear
8–15 years
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Hardiness
Zone 4–8 (–35°C to –12°C)
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Solar
Full sun; needs good light for nut production
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