Pecan Tree Commonly Found in the U.S.

Identification

• The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) grows in the wild from Indiana to Texas, but is also grown commercially across a significant portion of the U.S. It is considered hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 9, an area that encompasses much of the U.S., aside from the upper Midwest and extreme northeastern states. It is an important commercial crop in the southeast and southwest, areas where the species thrives due to warmth and humidity.

Features

• A nut tree that grows between 70 and 100 feet high with a spread of 40 to 75 feet, the pecan tree grows at a medium rate which, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, denotes a tree that grows between 13 and 24 inches annually. It requires full sunshine and moist, well-drained soil. At least two pecan trees should be planted together for proper pollination. The trees spread into a rounded or oval crown and bear fruit--nuts--within 6 to 10 years of planting.

Uses

• The pecan tree is related to the hickory and can live 300 years or more, providing a crop of sweet nuts throughout nearly its entire lifespan. In addition to being a valuable source of food, the tree is an ideal shade specimen for landscape planting, and the wood is commonly utilized to make flooring and furniture due to its sturdiness and durability. It also provides exceptional heat for burning.

U.S. History

• The tree was first noted by explorers to the North American continent as early as 1541. French settlers of Louisiana learned of the many ways in which Native-Americans utilized the tree and nut, and the pecan quickly became a part of many southern culinary creations--a practice which continues today. Thomas Jefferson planted the tree at his estate and provided seeds for George Washington to do the same. Those trees are now the oldest living trees at Washington's Mount Vernon estate.