Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

70 to
100
feet

Spread:

40 to
75
feet
Size
Height: 70 to
100
feet
Spread: 40 to
75
feet
Size
Height: 70 to
100
feet
Spread: 40 to
75
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Grow as a large shade tree or for nut production. Small mammals eat the nuts.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in deep, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. May be difficult to transplant as it has a very long tap root.
Special Features
Nuts
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description

A tall straight tree with a symmetrical, broadly oval growth habit. Leaves are yellow-green in summer, eventually turning yellow-brown in fall. Non-showy female flowers are followed by sweet, edible nuts. The nuts are surrounded by a thin brown husk. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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