Pecan

All About Pecan

Benefits | Landscaping | Leaves | Conditions | Flowers | Attributes | Stem

The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a large, deciduous tree native to North America, particularly Texas. Known for its sweet, buttery nuts, the pecan has cultural, ecological, and economic significance. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and provides both shade and food for wildlife. The tree produces small, wind-pollinated flowers in spring, which later develop into the beloved pecan nuts. With a long lifespan, it plays a vital role in local ecosystems and agriculture, making it a cherished symbol of Texas and other southern regions.

Texas native plant Pecan

Benefits of Pecan

  • Immune System Support
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects
  • Antioxidant Properties
  • Respiratory Health
  • Pain Relief
  • Skin Health
  • Mood Enhancemen

Landscaping

Landscape Location
  • Woodland
Resistance To Challenges
  • Black Walnut

Leaves

Leaf Color
  • Gold/Yellow
  • Green
Leaf Type
  • Compound
Leaf Description
Leaves are 6 to 10 inches long with 5 to 9 long, oval, toothed leaflets that are dark yellow-green above and lighter below. There is a slight pubescence on the underside veins.

Cultural Conditions

Light
  • Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
  • Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture
  • Clay
  • High Organic Matter
  • Loam (Silt)
  • Sand
  • Shallow Rocky
Soil Drainage
  • Good Drainage

Flowers

Flower Color
  • Gold/Yellow
  • Green
Flower Bloom Time
  • Spring
Flower Description
Pecan flowers are small and greenish, with long male catkins and tiny female blooms on new growth, both pollinated by wind in spring.

Stem

Stem Color
  • Gray/Silverr
Stem Is Aromatic
  • No
Stem Form
  • Straight
Stem Description
Branches are gray and smooth, while twigs are gray or light brown. .

Attributes

Genus
  • Carya
Species
  • Cordiformis
Family
  • Juglandaceae
Life Cycle
  • Woody
Wildlife Value
  • This plant supports Hickory Horndevil larvae which have one brood and appear from May to mid-September.

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