Hicans are hybrids between the Pecan (Carya illinoensis) and other Hickories, usually the hhagbark hickory (Carya ovata) or the shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa). The selected cultivars aim to have the hardiness of the hickory and the taste and productivity of the Pecan. They leaf out mid season in the uk (Mid April – May usually) and need a sunny sheltered site with plenty of room, they can grown to 15m+ high and wide.
We have 4 varieties available in very limited numbers this year. De Smallekamp have other varieties which we will be able to get in future years we hope, it is recommended that you order a couple of trees to aid pollination, it may be that other hickories will also pollinate these trees.
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Burton | Self-fertile and pretty prolific producer of medium size hickory flavoured buttery pecan nuts , produces after 7-10 years. Nuts drop free of husks. |
| Marquardt | Old Shellbark Hican from Illinois that is rarely available even in N.America, partly self-fertile with larger nuts but fully filled. |
| NT 92 (T-92) | Produces large nuts with a good quality kernel. Probably the best and most prolific hybrid, needs pollinating. |
| Vernon | Found by Jim Wilson 12 miles N of Nevada, on a upland creek among pecan trees, nearest shellback hickory over half a mile. 46 nuts/lb, 50% kernel, very good taste, vigorous growth. |