Botanical name

Carya illinoinensis

Common name(s)

Pecan

Family

Juglandaceae

Native range

Southern United States

Growth Height

75 to 100 feet

Bloom time

April to May

Historical and interesting facts

As the nation's most important commercial nut producer, the pecan tree is infamous throughout the United States. Since the time of the pioneers, people have been enjoying the flavorful pecans this tree produces. In addition to tasting great, the nuts store well, and were easy to ship and market in town. Unfortunately, the early settlers would cut down an entire tree to harvest the pecans and leave the tree to rot in the woods leading to a dramatic decrease in its population. The pecan tree’s wood contains a grain that makes it highly prized for wood furniture and flooring. Pecans aren’t only enjoyed by humans, however. Squirrels, deer, raccoons, foxes, turkeys, wood ducks, turkeys, blue jays, and a variety of other species of birds also snack on the tasty morsels.

These fact sheets and the tree labels were assembled by UFI intern Amanda Williams, and funding for the project was provided through a UK Student Sustainability Council grant.