Texas Tech University

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis
Deciduous-Trees

Pecan - the state tree of Texas - is a large, deciduous tree best suited for large sites.  It tends to face issues with messiness and alkaline soils, but provides edible fruit and yellow Fall foliage.

(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Carya illinoinensis

Carya illinoinensis Photo Gallery



Carya illinoinensis Plant Information

Classification  
   
Scientific Name: Carya illinoinensis
Common Name: pecan
Family: Juglandaceae
Suggested Uses: orchard, park, golf course
   
Characteristics  
   
Height: 70 - 100 feet tall
Foliage: alternate, odd pinnately compound (9 to 17 leaflets), and deciduous

leaflets arch back towards leaf

bud looks like a roasted almond

provides good yellow Fall color
Flower: monoecious with male in catkins and females in spikes
Bloom Period: Spring
Fruit: edible nut in a 4-valve husk
Bark: dark brown and becomes scaly with age
   
Environment  
   
Soil: tends to develop Zn deficiency in alkaline soils
USDA Zone: zones 5 - 9
   
Care  
   
Maintenance: drops fruit, leaves, and twigs throughout the year

Zn deficiency can be corrected with applications of chelated Zn or foliar sprays
Pests & Pathology: numerous insect and disease problems
   
Additional Notes: state tree of Texas

many outstanding cultivars which produce excellent fruit

best if used on large sites

despite limitations as a landscape plant, pecan is often desired for landscape use and is an interesting ornamental

TTU Plant Resources