Nut Trees Growing in the Midwest

When I was growing up we had a black walnut tree in the back yard and each fall it was my siblings and I's job to pick up the walnuts from the ground and lay them on a table for drying. My father would regularly turn them each day to ensure the hulls dried evenly, allowing him to remove them, crack the shell underneath and remove the sweet meat from inside. My father tried planting other types of nut trees, hickory and chestnut, but was never as successful with them as he was with the black walnut tree. Living in west central Illinois, I am limited on which nut trees I can plant and expect to do well. Listed below are some nut trees that do well in the Midwest and I will try to indicate which zones are the best for each.

Black Walnut

Native to the Midwest, this dependable tree can reach up to 75 feet tall. It prefers full sunlight and deep, rich, well drained soil and will flourish in Zone four to nine. Not only is this tree prized for its delicious fruit, but also its dark brown wood, which its strength makes it a favorite among woodworkers. Black walnuts have twice the protein as English walnuts and are excellent to use in baking dishes.

Pecan

The pecan tree is a beautifully shaped tree that can grow in access of 100 feet tall. The hardier variety is native to the southern parts of Illinois along the bottomlands of the converging rivers, Mississippi, Ohio, and Wabash. They do the best in the southern part of Zone six and all of Zone seven, but because of short times periods between frosts, the nut production will be limited further north. Once established, the pecan tree can grow in almost any type of soil, even soil lined with clay, although rich, well-drained soil is preferred. It also requires full sun.

Chinese Chestnut

Another beautiful tree that is hardy from zones four to eight. Growing up to heights of 60 feet, the Chinese chestnut prefers full sun and acidic, well-drained loamy soil. Different seedling species may vary in characteristics and may not be as productive as seedlings that have been grafted. All varieties are highly resistant to chestnut blight disease. The fruit is sweet tasting and used in many food dishes, including the every-popular turkey dressings at Thanksgiving.

Hazelnut or Filbert

Hardy in zones four to nine, this large shrub is mainly used in landscaping designs because of it beautiful fall color. It can grow to a height of 18 feet, does well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers well-drained, loamy soil. This shrub is excellent as a windbreak and for attracting small animals. Small animals such as tree and ground squirrels, and birds are the main problem associated with its fruit production.

Source: Mastergardener classes