Pecan Tree
Carya illinoinensis · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut Tree, Shade Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Common Pecan)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, though most productive in zones 6-9 with long, hot summers.
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown and a thick, straight trunk. The form is typically oval or rounded at maturity with a moderately dense canopy that provides excellent shade.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, 12-20 inches long, with 9-17 leaflets. Leaflets are lanceolate, often curved (falcate), with finely serrated margins; dark green in summer, turning yellow-brown in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish, deeply furrowed into narrow, irregular, scaly ridges that may appear somewhat shaggy on older specimens.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Mississippi River Valley and East-Central United States down to Northern Mexico.
Growing Season
Flowering occurs in early spring (April to May); nuts mature in late autumn (October to December) following a summer growth period; deciduous dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required for optimal nut production; requires moderate to high moisture, preferring well-drained, deep, fertile alluvial soils.
Mature Size
70-100 feet in height with a spread of 40-70 feet; growth rate is moderate; can live for over 150-300 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for edible nuts and high-quality hardwood timber used for flooring and furniture; notable for its large size and significant fall litter (leaves and husks).
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical food for squirrels, crows, deer, and turkeys; serves as a larval host for various moths including the Luna Moth; provides excellent nesting sites for large birds.