Hican Trees: The Pecan-Hickory Hybrid Explained

Hican is a hybrid between pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and various hickory species (primarily Carya laciniosa, shagbark hickory). The name combines hickory and pecan. These naturally occurring and intentionally bred hybrids occupy an interesting middle ground between the two parent species: they tend to be hardier than pecan, easier to crack than hickory, and capable of producing quality nuts in climates where commercial pecan varieties struggle.

What Sets Hican Apart

Hican trees combine characteristics from both parent species in varying proportions depending on the specific cross.

Hardiness: Most hicans are significantly hardier than their pecan parent, extending productive nut growing into zones 4 and 5 where even northern pecan varieties face marginal conditions. This is their primary practical advantage over pecan for northern homeowners.

Nut quality: Hican nuts are typically larger than hickory nuts and easier to shell, though not as cleanly cracking as the best pecan varieties. The flavor is richer and more complex than commercial pecan, combining pecan sweetness with a hickory nuttiness.

Tree size: Hicans are large trees comparable to pecan in mature height: 60 to 80 feet is typical. Site selection requires the same consideration of mature scale as for pecan.

Productivity: Most hicans produce more reliably in the northern part of the pecan-hickory range than pecan, but are generally less precocious than the best pecan varieties. Expect a longer wait to first harvest.

Named Varieties

Hican breeding has produced several named varieties, though the category is less developed than pecan breeding. Burton hican is one of the older named varieties with documented performance in zone 5. McCallister and Bixby are other named selections available from specialty nurseries.

Quality varies significantly between seedling hicans. Named varieties with documented performance records in your climate zone are worth the premium over seedling-grown trees.

Growing Requirements

Hican requirements follow the general pattern of both parent species. Deep, well-drained soil with adequate moisture availability is essential. The deep taproot that characterizes hickory and pecan means shallow soils over hardpan do not support good growth. Full sun maximizes nut production.

Cross-pollination is required: plant at least two trees from different genetic sources. Pecan varieties can serve as pollinators for hican trees if their pollen timing is compatible.

Is Hican Worth Planting?

Hican makes the most sense for homeowners in USDA zones 4 to 5 who want productive nut trees and have ruled out pecan due to hardiness concerns. The combination of zone 4 hardiness, larger nuts than hickory, and distinctive flavor offers a genuine niche. The trade-off is slow establishment, large mature size, and limited variety selection compared to pecan or other nut crops.

For homeowners in zones 6 and warmer where northern pecan varieties are reliable, pecan is the better investment for maximum productivity. For the full northern pecan growing guide, see the northern pecan tree guide.