Pecan is the name generally applied to the pecan hickories, a group consisting of four species - pecan, water hickory, nutmeg hickory, or bitternut hickory. The wood is rated as strong, stiff, very hard, heavy, and very high in shock resistance, although somewhat below the wood of the true hickories in strength and other mechanical properties. It is difficult to season, but can be dried successfully when proper procedures are followed. The major uses of the pecan hickories are furniture and flooring, as well as veneer for plywood paneling and containers.