| Description |
The Pecan is a large, deciduous species of Hickory tree native to Mexico and the southeastern United States. When mature, it is 22-30 m tall and wide. Pecan trees produce nuts of the same name. Pecan nuts, along with other hickory nuts, are actually a type of fruit known as a "drupe" that has a single stone or pit surrounded by a husk. The fruit inside the husk is edible and has a rich buttery flavor. Pecan trees need hot, humid summers. Various cultivars need between 100-1200 chilling hours at temperatures below 7.2° C. Pecans require at least two different pecan cultivars nearby for pollination. Choosing cultivars for pollination is a little more tricky than with other fruit and nut trees because pecan trees bloom and shed pollen at different times. Type I trees shed pollen first and receive pollen later, Type II trees bloom and receive pollen first and shed pollen later. Cross-pollination is most successful with at least one cultivar of each type. Some self-pollinating cultivars exist. Trees benefit greatly from pruning and zinc applications. Pecans will bear fruit in 6-10 years and can live for up to 300 years.
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