Native to the eastern and central United States. Related to hickories and walnuts.
Grows between 70 and 100 feet tall and 40 to 75 feet wide, 6 foot diameter trunk.
Nuts are large and edible, appearing in the summer.
Large, alternate, compound leaves with 9-17 serrated leaflets that turn gold into the fall.
Attracts moths and other pollinators as well as small mammals and birds for food.
Requires full sun or partial shade, tolerates most soil conditions
Plant hardiness zone 5-9
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
The pecan tree is exceptionally long-lived and produces abundant fruit, making it a symbol of longevity and prosperity.
The pecan is especially important in the Southern US, where it is the state tree of Texas and state nut of Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is a staple of traditional southern American cuisine with dishes such as pecan pie and pralines . Cajun pralines were invented in 19th century New Orleans by locals who substituted almonds for pecans in the traditional French recipe and added buttermilk.
Specimen photographed found at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Plant History and Etymology
The generic name Carya comes from the Ancient Greek κάρυον (káryon) meaning "nut" and illinoinensis is the New Latin word for Illinois. The pecan is the only nut tree native to North America, and it was a staple to many American Indian tribes including the Algonquin, whose name for the nut - pacane - is where the English word for it comes from. The nuts were cultivated extensively and used as currency by many peoples before the European arrival. In the 1700s and 1800s, Europeans began exporting them around the world. Over time, they were selectively bred to have larger nuts with thinner shells. Today, the US remains the world's largest pecan exporter, producing over 300 million pounds per year.
Design Considerations
Tree is large and hardy, being exceptionally drought tolerant and requiring minimal maintenane. Its flowers are small and inconspicuous. Two major issues for a designed landscape are that it takes a very long time to grow to its mature height and that the falling nuts require a lot of cleanup. There are a wide variety of cultivars, though most of these select for large and tastier nuts rather than aesthetics.
Sources
“History of Pecans - U.S. Pecans.” 2017. U.S. Pecans. 2017. https://uspecans.org/history-of-pecans/.
“Carya Illinoinensis (Hardy Pecan, Pecan) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carya-illinoinensis/.
Wikipedia Contributors. 2021. “Pecan.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. October 17, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecan#Symbolism.
“New Orleans Pralines, Sweet Southern Confections.” 2017. FrenchQuarter.com. 2017. https://www.frenchquarter.com/new-orleans-pralines/