Pecan

Sunset

Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 6-10, 12-14, 18-20, 26-33, 35

Full

Moderate

Pecan
Juglandaceae
Deciduous, Edible fruit, Trees

Native to the south-central U.S.; botanical name is Carya illinoinensis. This is a graceful, shapely tree to 70 ft. tall and wide; large for small gardens but attractive where space is available. Foliage resembles that of English walnut but is prettier, with a finer texture that casts lighter shade; leaves have more (11–17), narrower, longer (4–7 in.) leaflets. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by nuts enclosed in husks. Best nut production is in areas with long, hot summers; crops in other recommended zones are less certain but possible.

Harvest when nuts fall in autumn; remove husks right away, then dry and store. Most pecans set light crops without cross-pollination. (Note that pecans tend to be alternate bearers, with a heavy crop one year followed by a light crop the next.)