{"id":636,"date":"2026-10-12T12:03:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=636"},"modified":"2026-10-12T12:03:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:03:53","slug":"pecan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/pecan\/","title":{"rendered":"Pecan"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Carya<\/span> illinoinensis<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Pecan is a large deciduous hardwood tree best known for producing one of North America’s most important native nuts. Native<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> central<\/span> and<\/span> southern<\/span> United<\/span> States,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> nutritious<\/span> nuts,<\/span> towering<\/span> size,<\/span> attractive<\/span> foliage,<\/span> and<\/span> economic<\/span> importance.<\/span> Mature<\/span> pecans<\/span> can<\/span> live<\/span> for<\/span> centuries<\/span> and<\/span> develop<\/span> expansive<\/span> canopies<\/span> that<\/span> provide<\/span> shade<\/span> and<\/span> wildlife<\/span> habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although<\/span> commonly<\/span> associated<\/span> with<\/span> orchards<\/span> and<\/span> the<\/span> southern<\/span> United<\/span> States,<\/span> Pecan<\/span> is<\/span> also<\/span> planted<\/span> in<\/span> parks,<\/span> campuses,<\/span> and<\/span> arboretum<\/span> collections<\/span> where<\/span> visitors<\/span> can<\/span> learn<\/span> about<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> America’s<\/span> most<\/span> significant<\/span> native<\/span> nut-producing<\/span> trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Alternate<\/span> leaf<\/span> arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Pinnately<\/span> compound<\/span> leaves<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Typically<\/span> 9<\/span> to<\/span> 17<\/span> leaflets<\/span> per<\/span> leaf<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dark<\/span> green<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Yellow<\/span> fall<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Leaflets<\/span> are<\/span> narrow<\/span> and<\/span> finely<\/span> serrated<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Gray<\/span> to<\/span> gray-brown<\/span> bark<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Develops<\/span> long<\/span> ridges<\/span> and<\/span> furrows<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Mature<\/span> bark<\/span> has<\/span> a<\/span> rugged<\/span> appearance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Flowers<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Male<\/span> flowers<\/span> produced<\/span> as<\/span> drooping<\/span> catkins<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Female<\/span> flowers<\/span> occur<\/span> in<\/span> small<\/span> clusters<\/span> near<\/span> branch<\/span> tips<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Wind-pollinated<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Bloom<\/span> in<\/span> spring<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Oblong<\/span> nuts<\/span> enclosed<\/span> within<\/span> a<\/span> green<\/span> husk<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Husks<\/span> split<\/span> open<\/span> when<\/span> mature<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Nuts<\/span> ripen<\/span> in<\/span> autumn<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Kernels<\/span> are<\/span> sweet,<\/span> oily,<\/span> and<\/span> edible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 70<\/span> to<\/span> 100<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
          • May<\/span> exceed<\/span> 130<\/span> feet<\/span> under<\/span> favorable<\/span> conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 40<\/span> to<\/span> 75<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Pecan<\/span> is<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> central<\/span> and<\/span> southern<\/span> United<\/span> States,<\/span> particularly<\/span> along<\/span> river<\/span> valleys<\/span> and<\/span> floodplains<\/span> from<\/span> Illinois<\/span> and<\/span> Iowa<\/span> south<\/span> to<\/span> Texas<\/span> and<\/span> Mexico.<\/span> It<\/span> thrives<\/span> in<\/span> deep,<\/span> fertile<\/span> soils<\/span> with<\/span> consistent<\/span> moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Within<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum,<\/span> Pecan<\/span> is<\/span> classified<\/span> as<\/span> a<\/span> United<\/span> States<\/span> Native<\/span><\/strong> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Pecan<\/span> provides<\/span> valuable<\/span> food<\/span> and<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> nuts<\/span> are<\/span> consumed<\/span> by:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Squirrels<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Chipmunks<\/span><\/li>\n
            • White-tailed<\/span> deer<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Wild<\/span> turkeys<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Blue<\/span> jays<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Other<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Large<\/span> pecan<\/span> trees<\/span> also<\/span> provide:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Nesting<\/span> habitat<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Shade<\/span> and<\/span> shelter<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Roosting<\/span> sites<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Support<\/span> for<\/span> numerous<\/span> native<\/span> insects<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Because<\/span> of<\/span> their<\/span> size<\/span> and<\/span> longevity,<\/span> mature<\/span> pecans<\/span> can<\/span> serve<\/span> as<\/span> important<\/span> components<\/span> of<\/span> urban<\/span> and<\/span> natural<\/span> ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Pecan<\/span> is<\/span> among<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> commercially<\/span> important<\/span> native<\/span> nut<\/span> trees<\/span> in<\/span> North<\/span> America.<\/span><\/p>\n

                The<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> cultivated<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Fresh<\/span> nuts<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Baking<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Candies<\/span> and<\/span> desserts<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Cooking<\/span> oils<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Specialty<\/span> food<\/span> products<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Pecans<\/span> have<\/span> been<\/span> an<\/span> important<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> Indigenous<\/span> peoples<\/span> for<\/span> centuries<\/span> and<\/span> continue<\/span> to<\/span> play<\/span> a<\/span> major<\/span> role<\/span> in<\/span> American<\/span> agriculture<\/span> today.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  The<\/span> wood<\/span> is<\/span> also<\/span> valued<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Furniture<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Flooring<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Cabinetry<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Specialty<\/span> woodworking<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Smoking<\/span> meats<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Pecan<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Pecan contributes shade, wildlife value, and educational interest to the Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum.<\/span> Its<\/span> large<\/span> compound<\/span> leaves,<\/span> distinctive<\/span> nuts,<\/span> and<\/span> impressive<\/span> mature<\/span> size<\/span> provide<\/span> visitors<\/span> with<\/span> an<\/span> opportunity<\/span> to<\/span> observe<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> North<\/span> America’s<\/span> most<\/span> important<\/span> native<\/span> nut-producing<\/span> trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    As<\/span> a<\/span> United<\/span> States-native<\/span> species,<\/span> Pecan<\/span> helps<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> botanical<\/span> diversity<\/span> of<\/span> American<\/span> forests<\/span> while<\/span> connecting<\/span> visitors<\/span> to<\/span> a<\/span> tree<\/span> with<\/span> significant<\/span> ecological,<\/span> cultural,<\/span> and<\/span> agricultural<\/span> importance.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Pecan<\/span>
                    \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Carya<\/span> illinoinensis<\/span><\/em>
                    \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Juglandaceae<\/span>
                    \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> United<\/span> States<\/span> Native<\/span>
                    \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 70-100<\/span> feet<\/span> (occasionally<\/span> 130+<\/span> feet)<\/span>
                    \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 40-75<\/span> feet<\/span>
                    \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Moderate<\/span> to<\/span> Fast<\/span>
                    \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span>
                    \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Deep,<\/span> moist,<\/span> well-drained<\/span> soils<\/span>
                    \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 5-9<\/span>
                    \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> April<\/span> to<\/span> May<\/span>
                    \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Edible<\/span> nuts<\/span> enclosed<\/span> in<\/span> green<\/span> husks<\/span> that<\/span> split<\/span> open<\/span> at<\/span> maturity<\/span>
                    \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Important<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals;<\/span> provides<\/span> nesting<\/span> and<\/span> shelter<\/span> habitat<\/span>
                    \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Edible<\/span> nuts,<\/span> large<\/span> compound<\/span> leaves,<\/span> impressive<\/span> size,<\/span> and<\/span> economic<\/span> importance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    Carya illinoinensis Overview The Pecan is a large deciduous hardwood tree best known for producing one of North America’s most important native nuts. Native to the central and southern United States, it is valued for its nutritious nuts, towering size, attractive foliage, and economic importance. Mature pecans can live for centuries and develop expansive canopies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-636","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=636"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":637,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/636\/revisions\/637"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}