Add a touch of shade and sweetness to your property with the Hardy Pecan Tree, a majestic and long-lived native species of North America. Known for its large, flavorful nuts, this deciduous hardwood tree not only provides delicious harvests but also enhances landscapes with its broad canopy and vibrant fall foliage.
The Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a true favorite among home gardeners and orchard growers alike. Its buttery, protein-rich nuts are prized for baking, snacking, and culinary use. Once established, this resilient tree can thrive for generations, offering beauty, food, and habitat for wildlife.
Features
- 🌳 Long-Lived Shade Tree: Can live for over 100 years, providing beauty and productivity.
- 🥜 Delicious, Nutritious Harvest: Produces large, sweet pecans rich in protein and healthy fats.
- 🌞 Hardy & Adaptable: Grows well in a variety of soils and climates (USDA 5–9).
- 🐝 Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds, squirrels, and pollinators.
- 🌱 Deep Root System: Improves soil structure and resists drought once mature.
- 🌿 Native Species: Naturally suited to North American ecosystems.
Specifications
- Common Name: Pecan Tree
- Scientific Name: Carya illinoinensis
- Plant Type: Deciduous tree
- Zones: USDA 5–9
- Mature Height: 60–100 ft
- Spread: 40–70 ft
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Light Requirement: Full sun
- Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture during early growth
- Temperature Range: -15°F to 95°F (-26°C to 35°C)
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Nut Season: Fall
- Nut Type: Large, oval pecans with thin shells
- Germination Time: 60–90 days (cold stratification recommended)
- Pollination: Cross-pollination improves yield; plant multiple trees
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Uses: Shade tree, nut production, reforestation, wildlife habitat
Planting Guide
- Stratify Seeds: Place seeds in damp peat or sand, refrigerate for 60–90 days.
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Plant 1–2 inches deep in well-drained soil.
- Temperature: Maintain 70–85°F (21–29°C) for germination.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after frost danger passes.
- Spacing: 30–50 ft apart for optimal nut production.
- Watering: Keep soil moist during the first two years; reduce as tree matures.
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer in spring once leaves appear.
Care Tips
- Prune young trees to develop strong central leaders.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Avoid overwatering — pecans prefer deep, infrequent watering.
- Protect from strong winds and rodents when young.
- Expect nut production to begin in 8–10 years.
