What are Hican Nuts?
Hican nuts are a unique type of nut that is a natural hybrid between hickory and pecan trees. The name “hican” is a combination of the words “hickory” and “pecan.” Hickory and pecan trees often grow near each other because they have similar sun and soil preferences. However, they rarely crossbreed. When they do, the result is a hican tree.
Hican Nut Trees
Hican nut trees fall into one of two categories: shagbark or shellbark. Shagbark hicans have a shaggy bark, while shellbark hicans have a smooth bark. The type of hickory parent tree used in the crossbreeding determines whether the resulting hican tree is a shagbark or shellbark.
Generally, shellbark hican trees produce larger nuts, while shagbark hican trees produce more nuts. Hican nut trees can grow up to 70 feet tall and have round crowns. They can spread fairly wide, so it is important to plant them about 50 feet apart. You will need to wait between four and eight years for the first nut production.
Varieties of Hican Trees
Only a few varieties of hican trees are productive, so it is important to select one carefully. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Bixby: A shellbark variety that is very productive and produces fairly large nuts.
- Burlington: Another shellbark variety that is also very productive and produces large nuts.
- Burton: The best of the shagbark varieties, known for its high nut production.
- Dooley: A shagbark variety that also produces well.
These varieties produce hican nuts with the round shape and thin shell of the pecan. However, hican nuts are typically larger than pecans of equal size.
Uses for Hican Nuts and Hican Trees
Hican trees are attractive ornamental trees that can be planted in large backyards or gardens. They provide shade and can be used as a natural windbreak. Hican nuts can be used in the same ways as hickory nuts, such as in baking, cooking, and snacking.
How to Grow Hican Nut Trees
Hican nut trees are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of climates.
To grow a hican nut tree, start by planting a grafted tree from a reputable nursery. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Hican nut trees are self-pollinating, meaning that they do not need another tree nearby to produce nuts. However, if you have multiple trees, they will cross-pollinate and produce even more nuts.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One of the most common problems with hican nut trees is pests. Aphids, mites, and scales can all attack hican nut trees. To control pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another common problem is diseases. Fungal diseases, such as anthracnose and scab, can affect hican nut trees. To control diseases, use fungicides as directed on the product label.
Harvesting Hican Nuts
Hican nuts are ready to harvest in the fall, when the husks turn brown and split open. To harvest the nuts, simply shake the tree and collect the nuts that fall to the ground.
Once you have harvested the nuts, spread them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area to dry. Once they are completely dry, store the nuts in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Hican nuts are a delicious and nutritious nut that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They are also a beautiful and easy-to-grow tree that can add value to your landscape.
