Discover the Majestic Pecan: A Native Nut Tree Providing Shade and Edible Delights
The Pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a large and stately native deciduous tree belonging to the walnut family. Grown primarily for its delicious edible nuts that mature in the fall, it also serves as an excellent shade tree with a broad, symmetrical crown. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various well-drained soils. While it can reach impressive heights, it typically grows to 70-100 feet, making it suitable for large properties. Though it requires a medium amount of maintenance, the reward of homegrown pecans and the beauty of this native tree make it a worthwhile addition to naturalized, edible, or pollinator gardens, also serving as a host plant for the Hickory Horndevil moth.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
A mature Pecan tree stands tall, showcasing its broad canopy and the developing nuts.
Scientific Name: Carya illinoinensis
Common Name: Pecan, Hardy Pecan
Hardiness Zones: 5A through 9B
Height: 70 to 100 feet (can reach up to 130 feet)
Spread: 40 to 75 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 9 to 17 lanceolate leaflets, dark green in color. Fall: Turns a showy yellow, providing autumn interest.
Bark: Light to medium gray, smooth when young, becoming narrowly fissured and scaly with age.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade is best for optimal growth and nut production.
Soil: Tolerates clay, sand, and loam soils, both alkaline and acidic, as long as they are well-drained. It has high drought tolerance once established.
Wildlife Value: The delicious edible nuts are enjoyed by small mammals and some birds. It also serves as a host plant for the young larvae of the Hickory Horndevil moth.
Why Choose Pecan?
Delicious and Nutritious Edible Nuts:
The Pecan tree is primarily cultivated for its highly valued edible nuts, which ripen in the fall. These nuts are not only delicious eaten raw or cooked but also nutritious, making it a rewarding tree for those interested in homegrown food.
Provides Ample Shade with a Majestic Form:
With its large size and broadly oval, symmetrical crown, the Pecan tree offers substantial shade, creating a cool and inviting space in large landscapes. Its stately presence and impressive stature make it a beautiful addition to any property.
Adaptable to Various Soil Conditions and Drought Tolerant:
The Pecan tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and can tolerate both alkaline and acidic conditions, provided the soil is well-drained. Once established, it also exhibits high drought tolerance, making it relatively resilient.
Supports Wildlife and Native Ecosystems:
Beyond its value to humans, the Pecan tree provides food for squirrels and other small mammals, as well as serving as a host plant for the Hickory Horndevil moth, contributing to the local ecosystem and supporting native wildlife.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Pecan
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
CO2 Offset
A single pecan can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 18,038 miles.
Water Filtration
A single pecan can absorb enough stormwater to fill 2,949 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
Removes Air Pollution
A single pecan removes as much air pollution as the weight of 93 smartphones.
Featured Projects
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066