Pecan
- Botanical Name: Carya illinoiensis
- Plant Type: Shade Tree
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Water Demand: Low
- Landscape Use: Shade Provider
- Native or Adapted: Native
- Wildlife Value: Birds, Mammals
- Deciduous or Evergreen: Deciduous
- Plant Form: Upright|Spreading
- Region: North Central Texas
- Plant Spread: 50' - 80'
- Plant Height: 35' - 140'
Description
Native varieties are best for providing shade. Well adapted to all soil types.
The pecan is a large tree native to North America. It bears sweet edible nuts that are deep brown in color and that range from 1 to 2 inches in length. The mature pecan tree is usually 70 to 100 feet tall, but can grow taller than 150 feet. Their trunks can grow wider than 3 feet. The pecan is susceptible to several foliage and nut diseases. Varieties planted in the landscape should be disease resistant and productive. There may be a need to spray the trees 2-4 times a year to control insects.
Some fun facts: Texas is the largest producer of native pecans, and is second only to Georgia in the production of hybrid (orchard grown) varieties. The pecan became the Texas state tree by an act of the Texas Legislature in 1919.