Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Juglandaceae
Botanical Name
Carya illinoinensis
Plant Common Name
Papershell Pecan, Pecan
General Description
Though primarily known for its sweet pecans, this large deciduous tree from eastern and southern North America and Mexico also has ornamental virtues. It is a tall, beautiful tree with attractive compound leaves, a tall straight trunk and furrowed, gray-brown to brown-black bark. Many cultivars have been selected for flavor, hardiness, earliness of ripening, and other characteristics.
Trees generally take from 15 to 20-years before they are fruit-bearing. Harvest takes place very late in the fall season, and the larger the tree the more prolific its nut production. Pecans have smooth, woody, oblong shells that are sandy brown in color. When cracked they bear oblong, ribbed nutmeats that are sweet and flavorful. These taste best when lightly toasted.
Pecan is a bottomland tree and likes full to part sun and moist, rich, slightly acidic soil with average drainage. Transplanting can be difficult because of its long taproot. Plant both an early-pollen (type 1) and a late-pollen (type 2) cultivar for highest yield. Use as a crop or shade tree.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
70'-100' / 21.3m - 30.5m
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Width
40'-75' / 12.2m - 22.9m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow, Green
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Fruit Color
Tan, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow
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Bark Color
Brown, Sienna
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
