of trees producing edible nuts and acorns

Technical
fact sheets
of trees producing edible
nuts and acorns
2nd Edition
Carya general description
CHEF
The word “hickory” comes from the Greek. In this country, Kary means “nuts” and
Dryopes people in Thessaly are believed to have been the first ancient people to cultivate orchards of nut trees, according to Pliny the old. The English word “hickory” comes
to us from Algonquin “pawcoHICCORA”. Identification of species of hickory can be complicated because they hybridize naturally in the wild. We count 18 species worldwide of
which 5 can be found in southeastern Canada. The Bitternut hickory which can be used
as a rootstock is in the group of Apocarya like pecan tree while four other species are
considered real hickory
Northern Pecan(Carya illinoensis)
Hickories
Latin name French name
1 Carya glabra Caryer à cochon 2 Carya ovata Caryer à noix douces 3 Carya laciniosa Caryer lacinié
4 Carya cordiformis Caryer à noix amères 5 Carya illinoensis Pacanier du nord 6 Carya tomentosa Caryer tomenteux 7 Carya illinoensis x Carya ovata
8 Carya illinoensis x C. cordiformis
English name Hardiness
Pig nut Hickory 5
Shagbark Hickory 3b
Shellbark Hickory 4b
Bitternut hickory 3
Northern Pecan 5
Mockernut 5
Hican 5
Bitcan 4
This table represents the hardiest species for the production of
nuts that can grow in Eastern part of Canada. Carya ovata the
(2) and Carya cordiformis (4) grow naturally in forests in the
southern part of Quebec and Shagbark hickory is now tested in
orchard. No other species is being tested in Quebec although
northern pecans, shellbark hickory and the promising Hican tree
are planted by several amateurs. Some North American cultivars
with large fruits and best shelling characteristic are now multiplied and provided by specialized nurseries; it is however not
varieties that originated from Quebec.
In its northern limit in Quebec, we find the shagbark near flood plains of St. Lawrence River and its tributaries in
the Montérégie, Outaouais and Laval regions, where the soil is
deep and fertile. It is sometimes found in the same area where
increasing number of bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) are
found. Shagbark hickory requires a deep rich soil as well as cool
and moist soil, but thriving well with drier soils on full sun exposure dry slope. Except from the ovata and cordiformis hickories,
no other species does grow naturally in Quebec. However, other
species (laciniosa, glabra, tomentosa, illinoensis) can grow in the
warmer zones of Quebec and they must absolutely have 2800 to
3500 heat units to make sure the nuts are ready.
Habitat:
Favor protected plantations from winds and avoid valleys where cold air pockets
could happen and stick on (thus causing the freeze-ups). Loamy
soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Its rectangular crown ensures that
the other edible nut trees can be implanted alternately between
(intercrop). The tree often has a zinc deficiency. Because of
its adaptation to our climate, planting Quebec strain hickories
would ensure you good returns, providing the precocity of nuts
and fruits size of the original plants. Spacing: 6 m X 6 m, can be
planted alternately with hazelnut trees.
Plantation requirements:
The hickory family produces a long
taproot system before producing branches. It is not uncommon to
see roots of 1 m deep for a 30 cm plant. Transplant 3 to 4 years
old trees for a better recovery. Otherwise, be sure to take out at
least 60 cm of roots in the spring before the plant leafs out. When
planting, it is crucial with hickories to cover well the base of the
trunk with soil.
Transplantation:
Fertilization is important to establish hickory the first years. They respond very well to fertilization. Check
for lack of zinc. Enhance the PH at an optimum level to make it
stable and productive. The leaves have a basic PH, so they break
down easily.
Fertilization:
Very variable in sizes. Grafted trees begin to bear nuts
between the 4th and 6th year of
growth, while the seedling at least
Varieties:
at 12th to 16th years. Selected
Carya ovata: Grainger, Neilson,
cultivars of hickory promote better
productions and larger nuts than
Weschcke, Wilcox, Yoder # 1.
natives, while the northern pecan
Carya laciniosa: Fayette, Henry,
produces much smaller nuts than
Keystone, Stephens, Toten.
grafted southern pecans. Also hickory nuts from selected trees present
Carya illinoensis: Campbell NC4,
better cracking quality and easier
Carlson # 3, James Early, Lucas,
kernels extraction with a full nut
Snaps.
meat and often a great taste of
pecan.
Hican: Burton, Dooley, James.
Nuts:
Harvesting: When ripe, the
Bitcan (C. illinoensis x C.
hickory nuts fall to the ground and
cordiformis): Abbott, Pleas.
opens easily. We can then separate the nut from its dry husk and
without stain hands. The husk of
the northern pecan is very thin. Fruits fall in autumn, early to
shagbark hickory and bitternut and later in the season for others.
The young trees in orchard
should have be mulched to prevent grass and other weeds
competing with them. Allow enough space around each tree for
watering, fertilizing and pest control by spraying. All hickory also
produces juglone, a substance inhibiting growth of certain plants.
However, the concentrations are much less with carya’s than
Juglans. Shagbark and shellbark hickory can be grafted.
Additional Information:
Carya ovata
CHEF
Hickory belongs to the large family of
walnut (Juglans), most (12) of which
are native to North America. Only six
other species of hickory exist in the
world and are found in Indochina.
Shagbark hickory grows naturally in
our woodlands, but is at its northern
limit in southern Quebec. For the
production of edible nuts, Shellbark
hickory and Hican could be added to
local diversity.
Photo : Bernard Contré
Other names; Scalybark hickory, shagbark
and upland hickory
Juglandaceae
Family:
Hardiness Zone: Zone 4 (resistant to - 40 ° C), the best
growing area would be minimum 4b
Heat units: 2800
Height:
Reach 25 m in southern Quebec
Columnar at first but ovoid thereafter. With age, the
bark tends to rise in long vertical loose-plate, very decorative.
Shape:
Deep roots which must develop before the foliage.
Fibrous roots system growing well if the taproot is cut.
Rooting:
Leaves with 5 leaflets (rarely 7), alternate; pubescences found at the base of the leaflets, some petioles reddish.
Foliage:
In its northern limit in Quebec, we find the shagbark near flood plains of St. Lawrence River, and its tributaries,
where the soil is deep and fertile. It is sometimes found in the
regions where there are many bitternut hickories. It prefers a
fertile bottom lands with fertile soil.
Habitat:
Favor loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The
rectangular crown ensures that we can introduce other edible
nut tree species alternately (intercrop). The tree often has deficiencies in zinc. Because of its adaptation to our climate, planting
Quebec strain hickory would ensure you a good return, providing
the precocity of nut and fruit size of the original plants.
Plantation:
Greenish, with drooping male catkins of 10 to
13 cm. The female flowers are grouped at the end of branches
and are pollinated by the wind. As they bloom from late May
to mid-June (during leaf elongation), they are less affected by
spring frost than the walnut family.
Flower:
Nuts: Sometimes Called “Dryopes”. The nuts from shagbark
vary widely in sizes. Grafted trees begins to bear nuts between
the 4th and 6th year of growth , while we have to wait for at
least 12 to 16 years from seedling tree to bears nuts. In fall, the
green thick husks blacken and open into four parts, clearing the
white and smooth nut. The shell is hard to break because of
additional internal cavities that are not found in other hickory
nuts, nutmeat is hard to extract sometime releasing small parts.
The taste however, is worth the effort. The nut contains little
sodium, and is an important source of magnesium, zinc and
mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It contains
31% fiber, 14% iron, 7% calcium, 4% and 3 % vitamin C, vitamin A for 120 grams of dried nuts.
Harvesting: When the nut is ripe, the husk falls and can
immediately release the nuts. Everyone can then easily pick the
nuts off the ground and remove the husk without staining fingers. Fruits fall in autumn, from September on.
Yields can attain 800 lbs / acre (for approximately
200 trees).
Yield:
Varieties available in the nursery market: The best known is Weschcke which need at least 2800
heat units or more to make his nuts fully ripe. Other cultivars less
hardy like Yoder, Grainger, Porter, Hover, Wilcox and Neilson are
being tested by amateur nut growers in Quebec
Castanea dentata
CHEF
The American chestnut was one of the largest trees that
once populated the northeastern forest of United States and
extreme southwestern part of Ontario. In 1904, the chestnut
blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), was introduced from Asia by
contaminated understock in New-York state. The disease has
been spread so quickly that has decimated 99% of these beautiful trees until 1936. The sterile hybrid chestnut (C. dentata
× C. mollissima) obtained were more vigorous and productive
than Native American chestnut. The pioneers in the campaign
to restore American chestnut, Dr. Earl Douglass of New York
and J.U.Gellatly of British Columbia, have created the first
selection of resistant individuals with the disease, hardy, vigorous and producing good chestnuts
quality. Following this, more recently, Ernest Grimo (Ont.), Doug Campbell (Ont.), Greg Miller (Ohio)
and the University of Michigan have experimented several hybrids which are now cultivated.
American chestnut
Family:
Fagaceae
Growing area:
Zone 4b - 5 (hardy in zone 4)
Heat units: 2800
Form: In forest, the chestnut reached heights of 30-45 m,
however the new hybrids reach rarely more than 7 m. In culture,
the main stems are often affected by the disease. After their
death, the new shoots will emerge from the ground and will be
most likely affected soon after.
Bark: Smooth the first years, with a brown color, becoming
fissured with time. The disease is often easily visible, stands out
bark as a dark depression with fruiting orange or reddish spots
like rust.
Leaves alternate, simple, lanceolate, 12-20 cm,
doubly serrated.
Foliage:
Orange brownish, 1 cm long, covered scales, leaving a
scar and bud are semicircle
Bud:
Drainage:
PH:
Well drained soil.
Slightly acidic, PH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Pollination: The tree itself is not self fertile. It must be
pollinated by another chestnut. For commercial production, there
must be good pollinator cultivars.
Monoecious, very small and almost white on the
catkins. Female flowers are at the base of the catkins, near the
end the twig and flowering in late spring or early summer.
Flowers:
Careful not to confuse these edible chestnuts with
Horsechestnut. This ornemental specie has big non-edible chestnut like fruits. Poisonous to horses, (Aesculus hippocastanum)
buckeye and (Aesculus glabra) Ohio buckeye, are planted in
large numbers in collections around public buildings and parks
in eastern Quebec.
Nuts:
Photo: Giulio Neri
Impossible to handle without gloves and without injury, the
American chestnut husk is extremely spiky. It opens easily
when chestnuts are ripe in the middle of autumn and often fall
freely of the tree. Each husk or big spiky capsule contains 1 to 3
chestnuts and can measure 5 to 8 cm in diameter. When unique
in its husk, the American chestnut is bigger. The number and
size of chestnuts depend on the
cultivar selected by nut producers. Chestnuts are good source
Chinese chestnut (Castanea
mollissima), European chestnut
of vitamins C and B6, potassium,
(Castanea sativa) and Japanese
acid Folic, copper, magnesium
chestnut (Castanea crenata)
and thiamine. The chestnut has
were introduced in America.
a meaty taste and often a good
Partially hardy, zone (5a to 5b
sweet taste and crunchy when
minimum) they were crossed
eaten raw. It contains at least
with the American chestnut for
50 % water and 3.0 g protein,
better resistance to disease,
1.2 g fat, 44.2 g carbohydrate,
increasing their hardiness
20 g of fiber per 100 grams of nut
and improving the caliber
meat. American chestnuts are the
of chestnuts. These hybrids
sweetest and most fragrant of all
are the most sold and used
by Canadian producers now.
species of chestnuts to the point
Promising hardy varieties are
where they can be eaten raw with
expected to emerge in the
great pleasure. The American
near future with the ongoing
chestnut hybridized with Chinese
research and with the american
chestnuts has both good taste of
chestnut society.
American chestnuts and the size
of the Chinese chestnuts. They
are ready to be eaten immediately after harvest but are nevertheless susceptible to mildew.
As it dries, it becomes a little softer and starches
turn sweeter. At 30 % moisture content, they can be stored
for longer time in a temperature controlled environment. They
can be stored for a longer period by drying process that should
leave only 15% humidity. Some have tried Freeze drying them
with success.
Storage:
The European hazelnut
CHEF
Common hazel, turkish hazel and the filbert (Corylus maxima) are three species
introduced from Europe. The history of hazelnuts date at least 5000 years ago.
Chinese empires, Greek, Roman and French have all contributed to spreading
the culture of hazelnut. Selected hazelnuts are distributed in the majority of
currently producing hazel groves. After Turkey, Canada is the 2nd exporter by
volume of hazelnuts in the United States. Those hazelnuts come from more than
300 hectares located in the valley of Lincoln, British Columbia. Hazel species can
be grown as an intercrop with other types of nut trees. They can be planted and
managed between bigger trees like oak or hickory to maximize yield per acre.
Nearly 97 % of world hazelnut production goes to processing industry.
Corylus avellana L., common hazel, filbert
Corylus colurna L., Byzantium hazel, hazel Turkey
Family:
Betulaceae
Zone 5 for Corylus avellana and also
Zone 5 for Corylus colurna
Heat Units: 2500 for Corylus avellana and Corylus colurna
Growing zones:
Exposure:
Leaves:
long .
full sun or part shade exposure
simple, alternate, oval, doubly serrated, 7 to 10 cm
Rooting: Hazelnuts grow in all types of soil with good
drainage but they prefer sandy loam or light soil. They do not
appreciate soil compaction and high water table. A pH of 5.5
to 6.5 is ideal. Shallow roots can reach up to 3 meters. Better
growth was observed when the roots are covered with chipped
wood or mulch.
Growth and form: Unlike other species of hazel,
Corylus colurna (turkish hazel) grows tree shape that rarely
reaches 10 m high in Quebec. The Corylus avellana and hybrids
are shrubs with multiple trunks. Some strains are hardier than
others. Both species do not tolerate windy areas, install windbreaks. Although shade tolerant, allow maximum sunshine in
the plantation for better yield. Long term rejuvenation pruning
for Corylus avellana is necessary. Promote growth of a limited
number of suckers by removing the old woody ones, will increase
the chances continuous production.
Nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and
especially boron are the elements required to hazel. An irrigation
system is recommended.
Fertilization:
Watching the Eastern filbert blight
and bacterial diseases which are highly virulent. Hazel weevil
larvae are also found in fruits in certain regions of Quebec. (See
more with beaked hazel technical data sheet)
Pest and diseases:
Flower: The Corylus are considered self-sterile. Like all
Betulaceae, flower male begins to grow early in fall (September).
They will be ready to pollinate the female flower appearing
separately in spring, usually in April, before foliage. However,
the female flowers are not always ready to be pollinated.
It is therefore necessary to plant
more than one hazel within 5 meter.
Males flowers of these two types of
hazel may act as cross- pollinators.
Varieties: With all
For both species, pay attention to
the crosses made between
persistent winter winds which may
American and European
hinder pollination. Corylus colurna
hazel species, it is very
and Corylus avellana can be used
as the pollinator for the Native
difficult to standardize the
American hazelnut.
best subjects for different
regions of Quebec. It is
Hazelnuts grow singly or
important to ask your
in groups of 2 to 4 on a stalk. On
the newly formed branches of the
provider if they are early
year, these nuts are found on the
varieties, mid-season or
outskirts of the shrub. The alkenes
late. If you these criteria’s
of corylus avellana are half embedwith your hardiness zone
ded in an envelope, while the fruit
and microclimates maps,
Corylus colurna come in the form
of clusters. Smaller in size Corylus
will help you make a
colurna is a succulent hazelnut, with
profitable choice.
harder shell. The benefits of nuts
are well documented: with their
anti-inflammatory properties and
unsaturated fat content, they are
a good source of magnesium, copper, potash, vitamins E and
B6, and contain 12% vitamin C, 13% calcium, 30 % iron, and
14.95 g Protein 7-8 g fibers per 100 g of nut meat.
Nuts:
After being picked and cleaned, dry them with at
a temperature of 37 degrees C. You can then keep the nuts at
least one year in the refrigerator at a relative humidity of 60 %.
Storage:
North American hazel
CHEF
American hazel and beaked hazel are two species naturally found in Quebec
and eastern Canada. Their commercial values are already recognized.
Because of their mature height of less than 5 m and their shrub like form,
good farming techniques and improved varieties, these shrubs can become
economically viable. In addition, these two species can be grown as an intercrop with other types of nut trees. American hazel is often used for breeding
as a pollinator. The beaked hazelnut grows farther north and produce fruit
until climate zone 3 even 2b.
Corylus americana L., American hazel
Corylus cornuta L., beaked hazel
Family:
Betulaceae
Zone 3b
for C. americana zone 2b for C.
cornuta
Growing zones:
2300 to C.
americana, C. cornuta 2000
Heat Units:
Full sun but they tolerate shade but have less
commercial potential in shade conditions.
Exposure:
Simple, alternate, oval, with double serrated margins, 7 to 10 cm long .
Foliage:
Bud: Covered with scales, C. americana buds are smaller than
C.cornuta. Deers love eating hazel buds.
Rooting: Hazelnuts grow in all soil types with good drainage
but prefer light soil. The roots system do not tolerate compaction
generated by frequent of heavy machinery passage. PH 5.5 to
6.5 is ideal. Well-drained and aerated soil should allow hazel to
develop a healthy shallow root system. We found better growth
when roots are covered with chipped wood or mulch.
Growth and form: Both are shrubs with multiple
trunks. Slightly smaller than the American hazelnut, the beaked
hazelnut reached 3.6 m. The shoots of the year are brown, hairy
and slender. Naturally, they are found undergrowth or woodland
edges; they do not tolerate windy areas. Some strains are hardier
than others. Both species do not tolerate windy areas, install
windbreaks. Although shade tolerant, allow maximum sunshine
in the plantation for better yield. Long term rejuvenation pruning
is necessary. Promote growth of a limited number of suckers by
removing the old woody ones, will increase the chances continuous production.
Nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and
especially boron are the required elements of hazel. A good irrigation system is recommended when it is hot and dry in summer.
Fertilization:
They are resistant to filbert blight,
but are often subject to damage caused by certain weevils.
Pest and diseases:
Flower: The Corylus are considered self-sterile. As with all
Betulaceae, male flowers begins to grow in late summer (August)
then they are ready to pollinate the female flowers at terminal
end of buds that appears separately in the spring (April) before
the foliage. However, the female
flower is not always ready to be
VariEtIES: With all the
pollinated. So always plant more
crosses made with American
than one hazel, and use a pollinand European hazelnuts, it is
ator within 5 meters. The male
flowers of the American hazel
very difficult to standardize
may fertilize a number of species
the best subjects for different
and varieties.
regions of Quebec. It is
therefore important to ask
The fruits grow in
your provider (nurseryman)
groups of 2 to 4 on a year stalk
if your young hazels are
on the outskirts of the shrub. the
varieties that produce nuts
Corylus americana nuts are covered with a short husk, soft, easy
early, mid-season or late.
to peel when dried , while Corylus
Their suitability for your
cornuta produce a long tube (like
hardiness zone will help you
a beak) covered with small spines
to make the best choice.
hair, very irritating for bare hands
gathering. Nutraceutical benefits
of nuts are well known with their anti-inflammatory properties
and unsaturated fats. They are a good source of magnesium,
copper, potassium, vitamins E and B6, they also containing 12 %
of vitamin C, 13 % calcium and 30% iron, 14.95 g of protein and
9.7 g of fiber per 100 g of nuts. Storage: After being picked up
and cleaned up, allow them to dry with a fan at a temperature of
37ºC, then you can keep them at least one year in the refrigerator
at a relative humidity of 60%.
Nuts:
Fagus grandifolia
CHEF
Beechnuts are considered the sweetest nuts found in the
Laurentian forests. This nut was once available in our grocery
stores. There are 8 other species of beech in the world and in
France the nuts of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) are used
to produce oil from which is sometimes compared to olive oil.
Beech, American beech
Fagaceae
Family:
Hardiness Zone:
3a Growing area: 3b or warmer
Heat units: 2200
Growth:
Slow. The bark is thin, smooth with blue grayish
color.
Height:
Width:
This tree can easily reach 25 m.
Very wide (18 m) in the open situation.
Exposure:
Rooting:
shade tolerant.
Wide spread, superficial roots.
Leaves alternate, serrated and glossy, they are often
present on the tree in winter on the young trees.
Foliage:
prefer the moist and cool soil. Often associated
with red and sugar maple, yellow birch and hemlock, it requires
well-drained soil. It often grows on slopes. If well managed,
some forest specimen can produce enough nuts to be profitable.
Habitat:
Plantation: A loamy soil slightly acid with pH 4 to 6
is ideal. Some European selections tolerate orchard setting.
American beech tolerates spring and fall transplantation. Its
roots are associated with some forest mycorhizae necessary for
growth.
small, of a greenish yellow color. The male and
female flowers are on the same tree, they bloom before the
leaves and are pollinated by wind.
Flowers:
Beechnut is a small, sharply-angled nut, borne in pairs
in a soft-spined, four-lobed husk from 1.8 to 2.2 cm. These husks
open at the end of the summer (in the last week of August to
Nuts:
mid- September) and the nuts fall to the ground. On average,
beeches start producing extensively around the age of 30 years,
sometime 40 and every 3 years. 100 grams of nuts contains 6 g
of protein, 50 g fat which 75% are unsaturated, 34 g carbohydrates and 4 g of fiber. Store beechnuts in a sealed container, in
a cool and dry place.
Usage: In addition to oils, the nut can be used as flour, a
substitute for coffee or to enhance the flavor of beer. It was
very popular until the mid- 20th century by Quebecers. Faines is
the french name of the nuts. They can be harvested by holding
tarps beneath the trees just days before they fall to the ground.
Beechnuts are separated by slight stirring and fan drying.
Beechnuts are preferred meal of birds, bears, wild turkeys, squirrels, etc. Beech adds greatly to the biodiversity of our forests.
Note: Beech bark disease has become a major killer of beech
trees in the Northeastern United States and Canada. This disease
occurs when the beech scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga,
attacks the bark, creating a wound that is then infected by one of
two different species of fungi in the genus Nectria. This causes a
canker to develop and the tree is eventually killed. In Quebec this
is a serious threat. Many beeches are infected in many regions
within the last 5 years. Many cultural researchs is needed to create varieties that will produce hardy and fruiting trees.
Ginkgo biloba
CHEF
The name Ginkgo means “silver apricot” and the word biloba,
meaning “two lobes”, describes the leaves. Ginkgo biloba has
been reintroduced in the 50s in the greater Montreal area. It
has good resistance to frost in zone 5 and sometimes 4. This is
the only conifer tree whose nuts (seeds) are not enclosed in a
cone. Recognized as one of the oldest trees in the world, we
have found fossils dating back over 100 million years. This tree
can live for long time over 500 years, no pest or disease known
to affect the tree. There are more 300 publications and studies
documenting the benefits of ginkgo. No major plantation exists
in Quebec.
Ginkgo biloba, «maidenhair tree»
Ginkgoaceae
Family:
Growing area:
zone 4
Heat Units: 2700
Growth rate:
PH:
Slow to moderate
5.5 to 7
Height:
Width:
30 m
20 m
fan-shaped simple leaves with parallel ribs, green
and tender. They turn bright yellow and fall within two days.
Foliage:
Oval to globular, male trees have branches having more horizontal trends than female trees. Central axis to
develop: careful not to leave too much low branches.
Shape:
Roots: Forming a shallow root system they can tolerate loamy
well drained soils.
Habitat: Well adapted to all types of soil, Ginkgo biloba is
very tolerant to pollution and urban conditions. When planning
a plantation, one thing should be taken into consideration: each
tree is a male or female. Only female trees will produce nuts but
they need male trees to fertilize. Planted as ornamental trees, the
majority of introduced ginkgoes are grafted males. Grafted trees
will assure you that they will be male or female. Grafted trees
should start producing fruits around the sixth year. Seedling, can
expect to bare fruit between 20 to 30 years. Planting distances
in the orchard: 6 m x 6 m.
Flowers: Male flowers are found at the base on twigs of
annual shoots and females at the end of long stalk from the twig.
Nuts: Resembling an apricot or plum of approximately 3 cm, the
nut is covered with a yellow-orange husk. This husk changes of
color as it ripens and starts to release a very unpleasant smell
when it becomes bright orange. Picking with gloves is recommended. The nut is protected by an easy to peel husk when it is
boiled for 5 minutes. It should then be refrigerated for storage
and served roasted. Some authors reported intolerance to this
nut, if consumed in large quantities (30 or more) for a long period of time. However, benefits of this nut are indisputable. It is
low in fat and sodium and is a good source of vitamins A (5 %),
Vitamin C (14 %), iron (2 %) and proteins.
Varieties available: Ginkgo biloba female McFarland,
ginkgo biloba male Autumn Gold.
Juglans ailantifolia
var. cordiformis
CHEF
The heartnut is a variety or mutation of the
Japanese walnut. Planted since the 50s in
the greater Montreal area, some varieties
of heartnut have for the moment a fairly
good resistance to cold winter up to zone 4.
The specie is capable to bear 10 to 20 nuts
per cluster with potential yields of 1000 kg
per hectare annually. The lovely shape of
these nuts, with very good cracking quality,
has a great nutty taste when fully dried.
Photo : Giulio Neri
Heartnut
Juglandacea
Family:
Growing area:
Heat Units: 2600
Growth Rate:
PH:
5.5 to 7
Height:
Width:
Zone 4b or warmer
Moderate to fast
Photo : Andrée Dumouchel
Photo : Imprimerie Élite
20 m
20 m
Leaves with 11-17 leaflets, longer than those of
black walnut leaves and the largest of all walnut.
Foliage:
Oval to globular. The branches have horizontal trend.
The natural spread gives the tree a wide appearance. Upright
central axis is often difficult to develop because of big branches
starting at lower height. Yearly pruning is required for the first
few years.
Shape:
Forming a shallow root system, they like loamy, well
drained soils.
Roots:
A protected site with good air circulation is desirable. Regardless if soil has a
Habitat:
high water table and/or hardpan bedrock, the surface soil must
be aerated, rich and easily fed with leaf mold manure or broad
cast fertilizer. A pH of 5.5 to 7 (slightly acid) is ideal.
Sowing heartnuts is not particularly recommended because the nuts of the next generation will not necessarily be like the parents. The use of the grafted seedlings from
seedling F2 generation is recommended. Plantation of hazelnut
near the heartnut can be difficult to manage.
Plantation:
self-fertile, the flowers appear in early spring.
They are sensitive to late spring frosts. They are easily cross pollinated with butternut.
Flowering:
Nuts: Nuts have heart shape of about 4 cm in diameter with
a thin husk that sticks less on the shell than the other walnuts.
The husk can be peeled by hand when the nut is dry. In their
husk, these nuts have a smooth shell. Each heartnut contains 24
to 32 % of edible kernel (nut meat). A robust nutcracker like the
Masternut Cracker is perfect for cracking. This specialized tool
crack and split each heart shape shell easily in two solid portions
of nutmeat in form of heart. The kernels flavor is mild, very
similar to the taste of butternut with a nice looking texture and
crispy. A grafted tree can produce its first fruit in the fifth year
while a seedling at 8 years. They must be stored at 0 degrees
Celsius with 65% humidity to allow stratification.
Crossing the Heartnut (Juglans ailantifolia var. cordiformis) and
butternut (Juglans cinerea) gave a hybrid that can be now multiply and grafted for production. This walnut called «Buartnut»
(Butternut x Heartnut) retains both parents’ characteristics.
Several varieties are also available, however cultivars of Mitchell
adapt better to our conditions and are not be susceptible to fungal diseases that are affecting our native butternut. The hybrids
Mitchell and Fioka cracks very well.
Grafted heartnut early:
Etter, Imshu, Rhodes
Mid season:
New:
Campbell CW1 and CWW,
Campbell CW3, Brock Wright, Fioka
Simcoe 8-2, Stealth, Locket, Adelphia
Juglans cinerea
CHEF
From all species of walnut only butternut is a native
species. The oil from the nuts, the nut and the sap
was used by natives’ of north America. The butternut
is rapidly disappearing from our natural environments everywhere in southern eastern Canada in
the past 15 years due to a fungal disease (Sirococcus
clavigignenti-juglandacearum or Ophiognomonia
clavigignenti-juglandacearum) causing black cankers inside the bark. The “Buartnuts” are a good
alternative for nut production, in replacement to
the butternut. Black walnut and heartnut are used
as rootstocks.
Buartnut
Noyer cendré
Other names:
Butternut, White Walnut
Juglandacea
Family:
Growing area:
Zone 3b or warmer
Heat units: 2400
Moderate to rapid growth, which can live
up to 75 years, exceptionally up to 100 years.
Growth Rate:
Height:
Width:
21 m but sometime higher
14 m
Foliage:
Buds:
Leaves with 11-17 leaflets
Grayish, between 12 and 18 mm long, slightly pubes-
cent.
The smaller tend to bend down and recover at their
tips. When the butternut is in open ground, the trunk is usually
fairly short and the top is broad and clear. Trees producing large
crown will produce much more nuts. This fact works well with
all the walnut species.
Form:
The lateral roots go deeply in the soil. Generally
develops taproot in the deep soil. Habitat: they grow best in well
drained soil of fine to medium texture but can also grow in shallow rocky sites of calcareous origin. They grow mostly in open
ground, full sun, rarely in colony. The rodents are responsible for
most of the natural seedlings.
Roots:
The seeds are best if they are planted in the
fall. Butternut intercropping every 10 m.
Plantation:
Male flowers reside on dormant twigs of the
previous year. In May, catkins are 6 to 14 cm long when fully
extended. Female flowers are born on spring growth in May
Flowering:
About 2 times as long as wide, 7 cm in length, pointed,
cluster February to April nuts for the native butternut and from
April to August nuts for hybrid one. Husks are covered with a
dense and sticky substance. Surface marked shell and accented
with irregular ridges.
Nuts :
Annual nut production with better yields every 2 or 3 years.
Source of Omega 3 and 6, they are low in saturated fat and rich
in manganese, protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. This
nut contains 14 % to 22% of edible kernel. On the nuts, we say
often that they have a good taste of butter.
Storage: The husk of these nuts must be removed if we
want to store them. The nuts ripen from mid- September to early
October.
Varieties:
Craxeasy, Beckwith, Iroquois CA Kenworthy,
Chamberlin.
Note on “Buartnuts” (Juglans cinerea x Juglans ailanlifolia)
The “Buartnuts” are crossbreeds or hybrids between butternut
and heartnut. These hybrids seem so far, resistant to disease,
appear strong and give good yields of nuts meatier than
those produced by the native butternut. Some nuts have often
unexpected because of the variations induced by genetic heritage not fully defined in seedlings that were used to grow these
trees characteristics. It is highly recommended for producers to
choose grafted trees rather than produced by seed trees.
Interesting cultivars:
Mitchell, Fiona, Corsano.
Juglans nigra
CHEF
Black walnut is one of the most popular species in North
America. The fruits of this native tree are edible but
have small kernels and thick and hard shells compared
to marketed walnut. However, several varieties recently
introduced offer kernels with more nut meat with much
better cracking quality (thin shell).
Black walnut or American walnut
Juglandacea
Family:
4b or warmer. If ell protected, they can
be grown in cooler zones. Increasingly planted to east and
north east of Quebec city.
Heat units: 2800-3300
Growing area:
Growth:
Height:
Width:
Medium to fast
25 m
20 m
Large leafs composed of 13-23 leaflets ovate, pointed, dense glossy foliage
Foliage:
Roots: Main root usually consists in a deep taproot and
several strong lateral roots. Once cut (at transplanting) they heal
slowly and form many fibrous roots.
Black walnut has a long trunk with few branches,
topped with a rounded crown. The open-grown form has a short
bole and broad crown.
Form:
Habitat: Requires 1.5m depth rich loamy soil and well
drained. The black walnut does not grow naturally in a pure
stand. A pH of 6 or 7 is ideal. Having a hedge (windbreaks) as
protection against the northwestern winds is recommended.
Overall, the black walnut adapt well in different types of soil.
Plantation: The seeds are best if they are planted in
the fall though if they are properly stored, they can be sown in
spring. If an intercrop is desired, the black walnut plantation is
recommended every 10 m.
Flowers: Small green flowers unisexual finding themselves
on the same tree. The male flowers are in drooping catkins
8–10 cm long. The female flowers are terminal, in clusters of two
to five. In the spring, they emerge with the foliage.
Nuts: The flowers ripening during the autumn into a fruit (nut)
with a brownish-green, fleshy husk and a brown, corrugated nut.
The whole fruit, including the husk, falls in October; the seed is
relatively small and very hard. The tree tends to crop more heavily in alternate years. Fruiting may begin when the tree is 4–6
years old however large crops take 20 years. Each nut contains
two lobes (or cotyledons). Mature nuts fall from late September
to late October. The nuts have a pronounced flavor which can
perfume desserts, ice cream and fruit cakes. A yield of 25 to
50 kg per mature tree of nuts is possible. The husk is used as a
black dye for ornamental mulch. The nuts are rich in protein, rich
in monounsaturated fatty acids and are a good source of copper,
manganese and omega 3 and 6. It contains 22 % iron, 8 % calcium and vitamins A and C. Each shell can contain from 23% to
33% of edible kernel.
Emma K, Thomas, Weschcke,
Bicentennial, Morden and Sparks 127. Good rootstock for
Japanese walnut, butternut and Carpatian walnut.
Suggested varieties:
Pine Nuts
general
CHEF
Pine nuts “pignoli” in Italian or “Pinon” in Spanish are seeds the
size of a sunflower seed. They grow inside the pine cones. There are
about 12 species in 100 existing pine species which produce edible
nuts. Of these 12 species, 4 may have a commercial importance in
regard to the production of pine nuts or timber in Quebec.
Family:
Pinaceae
Growing areas:
Zones 3 to 5
Heat Units: 2800- 3000
Growth:
Height:
Width:
From 20 to 60 cm / year
From 12 m to 35 m, depending on the species
Can reach 10 meters wide if not pruned
General form:
Similar to most species of eastern white
pine
The roots system spread easily in surface; adaptable to
different soil types, they however need, good drainage.
Roots:
2 or 5 persistent needles 3 to 5 years. Flowers
self-fertile, male and female flowers get separated on the same
tree.
Foliage:
Habitat: Pine requires a deep, acid, sandy, but some species
can grow in the clay if the soil is well drained. The production
sites should be inoculated with mycorrhizae. Avoid planting on
roadsides using road salt or poorly drained soil.
Nuts: Cone production begins after 12-15 years. Cones remain
on the tree for 2 years before being mature. A cone can have on
to 160 pine nuts (pinyon). A mature plantation can produce up
to 500 kg per hectare. Pine nuts contains an average of 18 g of
protein, 38 g of fat, 10.7 g carbohydrate, 10.7 g of fiber 390 calories per 75 g of pine nuts .
At present, all the pine nuts consumed in Quebec are
imported from China. Traditionally, the market uses pine nuts in
gourmet dishes, salads and pestos. Recent discovery shows that
vegetable oil which has been derived.
Use:
Photo : Giulio Neri
Potential species:
Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
hardy to Zone 2, long cone of
8-17 cm with seeds of 14 to 18
mm production: 650 seeds/ lb
Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica)
hardy to zone 1, long cone
from 5 to 9 cm with seeds of
9-12 mm long. 675 seeds/ lb.
Swiss stone pine (Pinus
cembra) hardy to zone 2, small
round cone of 4 to 6 cm, hardy
to zone 3, 9-12 mm long seeds.
Dwarf Siberian Pine (Pinus
pumila) long cone 4-8 cm, 8 to
12 mm long seeds, 975 nuts
/ lb.
General
Quercus
Fagacea CHEF
Quercus is the Latin word of Celtic origin and means «tree of excellence”.
There are beyond 450 species worldwide, 11 in Canada, 4 in Quebec and
3 which produce low tannin acorns: white oak (Quercus alba), bur oak
(Quercus macrocarpa) and blue oak or swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor).
Even if they live in different habitats, these three species can be difficult to
distinguish. It is therefore important to consult books specifically dedicated
to the identification of tree species. The flavor and sweetness of acorns
differ somewhat from one tree to another, depending on the soil characteristics and the place.
Les quatre chênes indigènes du Québec . a) chêne rouge,
b) chêne à gros fruits, c) chêne blanc, d) chêne bleu
Oaks
1
2
3
Latin name French name
Quercus alba
Chêne blanc Quercus bicolor Chêne bicolore Quercus macrocarpa Chêne à gros fruits English name Hardiness
White oak
4a
Swamp white oak 3b
Bur Oak a
This table shows the three oak species and their growing area in
Quebec, some grows naturally in our woodlands. Oaks are sometime available through local forestry services. These plants are
used in reforestation since they are coveted for their quality as
timber. No research on edible acorn production has been made in
Quebec. The acorns were once an important source of livelihood
for all Aboriginal First Nations.
Habitat: Present throughout the same area where sugar
maple grow, oak are alongside hickory, maple, walnut, ash and
sometimes black cherry. White oaks and swamp white are much
more uncommon than bur oak.
If these species remain available in the coming years, consider that it would be appropriate to implement
superior trees in your locality. These oaks with a rapid growth
rate produce acorns much faster. In general, loam with a pH
of 5-7 would be ideal for oaks. Acorns need 2200 to 2800 heat
units to become ripe. Soil preparation and the elimination of
herbaceous competition will bring the best results. They can be
planted and mixed with hazel.
Plantation:
Transplantation: From seed, the trees produce long
roots. It is recommended to be transplanted in spring before bud
break. Fall transplantation often produces a crown dieback. Sow
in cavities before planting in the field, gives excellent results.
The oaks respond well to organic or synthesis fertilizers. For optimum growth, irrigation is required.
Fertilization:
acorns (2 to 4 cm) contain a single seed enclosed in a
thin husk, formed in a cup, covering a quarter to half of the fruit.
Oaks can start producing at the age of 8 to 12 years. Acorns have
low cholesterol and sodium. They are a good source of manganese and contain vitamin A, calcium and iron. With a very thin
shell and a similar form with hazelnuts, no special tool to open
the acorns are required.
Nuts:
Harvesting: The fruits are dispersed naturally by nut eating
animals. In culture, we suspect greater productivity. This would
then require being especially vigilant against the squirrels and
blue jays.
If the acorns prove to be mild, it is not recommended
to over dry them before tasting their flesh: the flesh of acorns
must remain tender. When acorns are both soft and dry (they do
not exude water when
pressed between finOther recommended
gers), it is the good time
species:
to send the acorns one
Q. robur, Q. prinus, Q. muehlenbergii,
to three months in freezQ. bicolor «Fall Creek», Q. macrocarpa
er, the acorns sweetens.
x bicolor , Q. alba x Q. robur «Crimson
However if large amount
Spire», Q. robur x Q. macrocarpa.
of natural tannins are
present the taste will be
bitter. So a bleaching is
recommended; Peel and boil the acorns, throw yellowish water
(exudation of tannins) and repeat if necessary this process. Once
dry, acorns can be eaten immediately, roasted or made into flour
to make bread or sent roasting to produce an amazing coffee.
The white oak in particular, deserves an introduction among
tasty nuts to eat and for experimentation in haute cuisine.
Usage:
The acorn of red oak (Quercus rubra) is not recommended for consumption, even a severe conditioning in successive boiling water fails to remove its bitterness. But flour has
been made before with this very abundant nut producing tree.
Note:
Acknowledgements and References
The content of the technical sheets is a compilation of data from
technical documents and information collected from associations,
nurseries and specialists for nut culture in Quebec and in North
America. The first edition (2004) of these fact sheets was achieved
through the Programme de mise en valeur des ressources du milieu
forestier (volet II) du ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la
Faune of Quebec and thanks to the Fédération de l’Union des producteurs agricoles (The Federation of the Union of Agricultural Producers)
of Saint-Jean-Valleyfield.
This second edition has been achieved through the Club
des producteurs de noix comestibles du Québec (CPNCQ). All rights
reserved – Reproduction (partial or integral) is prohibited without
prior authorization from the CPNCQ. The CPNCQ is thankful for the
support received from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
for this second edition. The views expressed in these fact sheets are
not necessarily those of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada or of the
Government of Canada.
Special thanks for their contribution and participation for the first and
second edition: Bernard Contré from la pépinière Lafeuillée, Gérard
Caron, Marc-Olivier Harvey from Pépinière Casse-Noisettes, Remigio
Cramerstetter Cramer nursery inc., and Yvan Perreault, nut producer.
Giulio Neri, for. tech., project manager, g.neri@xittel.ca
Special thanks to the following groups:
Northern Nut Growers Association. (NNGA), Society of Ontario Nut
Growers (SONG) and Chapter of Eastern Ontario (ECSONG), and
Imprimerie Élite.
Legend
CPNCQ
www.noixduquebec.org
Petite flore forestière du Québec. Ministère des Terres
et Forêts. Québec, 21 mai 1974. 216 p. Phillips, Roger.
Northern Nut Growers Association
www.nutgrowing.org
Trees of North America and Europe. Publié par
Random House en 1978. 224 p. Alexandre Wilson.
Grimo Nut Nursery
www.grimonut.com
Nut Culture in Nova Scotia. Nouvelle-Écosse.
Ministère de l’Agriculture et de l’Alimentation de
l’Ontario
www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/french
John Vivian,. Selecting, planting, tending and
harvesting the perfect homestead crop. Cornell
University.
Nutrition Data.com Nutrient-Balance-indicator
www.gouv.on.ca/omafra
Frère Marie-Victorin, Flore Laurentienne 3e édition,
1995, Les Presses de l’Université de Montréal (Qc),1083
p. Phillips, Roger.
Society of Ontario Nut Grower (SONG)
www.songonline.ca
Trees of North America, Équipe 1973, Randon House
inc, New York, 224p.
Farrar, John Laird. Trees in Canada. Publié par
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited et le Service canadien des
forêts, 2003, 502 p. Grimo, Ernie., Nut Tree Ontario,
J.O. Gardener, Ministry of Agriculture and food
Ontario, Nut culture in Ontario – Culture des Noix
en Ontario, 1992 Publication 494 31P, Imprimeur de la
Reine pour l’Ontario.
A practical Guide, 2011, 127 p. Hosie, R.C.
Arbres indigènes du Canada. Service canadien des
forêts, 1969, 372 p. Lupien, Patrick.
Solange Monette, The Visual Food Encyclopedia,
1996, Les Éditions Québec/Amérique inc., Montréal, 684 p.
Des feuillus nobles en Basse-Mauricie : guide de
mise en valeur.
Bernard Contré, Noix, noisettes et glands pour
le Québec, non publié, Saint-Charles-Borromée,
lafeuillee@bell.net
Fonds d’Information, de Recherche et de
Développement de la Forêt Privée Mauricienne
(FIRDFPM).
Kansas State Extension Forestry - Improving Black
Walnut Stands.
Syndicat des Producteurs de Bois de la Mauricie,
Shawinigan, 248 p.
L-718 Revised. Tree Planting Guide, L596 Revised.
Todd Leuti, OMAFRA Agroforestry Advisor.
Wood of economic value
Plantation
Windbreak or Shelterbelts
Riverbanks and soil
stabilizations
CHEF
Oils and recipes
Fruit and Tree Nuts Situation & Outlook Yearbook
Fts-2004/Economic Research Services/USDA, 2004, 128 p.
Version française disponible.
ISBN 978-2-9814587-1-1 (2nd Edition 2014, PDF)
(Édition originale : ISBN 978-2-9814587-0-4)
Dépôt légal – Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2014
Dépôt légal – Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, 2014
Wildlife