Contents
Description
Carya Illinoiensis, commonly known as the pecan tree, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family, which also includes walnuts and hickories. The pecan tree is known for its delicious nuts, which are used in a variety of culinary applications.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Carya |
Appearance
The pecan tree can grow up to 130 feet tall and has a spread of up to 75 feet. It has a straight trunk, which can reach up to 6 feet in diameter. The bark is smooth when young, but becomes deeply furrowed with age. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and can grow up to 20 inches long. They consist of 9-17 leaflets, which are lanceolate in shape and have serrated edges. The flowers are monoecious and appear in the spring. The male flowers are yellow-green, while the female flowers are reddish-green. The nuts are oval-shaped and have a hard shell.
Care Guide
The pecan tree requires moderate watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It prefers well-drained soils and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The tree requires full sun and is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The pecan tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including pecan scab, aphids, pecan weevils, and hickory shuckworms. It is important to monitor the tree for signs of damage and to take appropriate measures to control infestations.
Habitat
The pecan tree is native to the central and southern United States, but is now grown in many parts of the world. It prefers fertile soils and warm, humid climates.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a pecan tree to bear fruit?
A: Pecan trees typically start bearing fruit after 6-10 years of growth.
Q: Can pecan trees self-pollinate?
A: No, pecan trees require cross-pollination with another tree in order to produce nuts.
Q: How often should I water my pecan tree?
A: Pecan trees should be watered deeply once a week, but may require more frequent watering during periods of drought.
Q: How do I prevent pecan scab?
A: Pecan scab can be prevented by planting resistant varieties, maintaining good sanitation practices, and applying fungicides as needed.
Related Plants
- Carya ovata (shagbark hickory)
- Carya tomentosa (mockernut hickory)
- Juglans nigra (black walnut)
- Juglans regia (English walnut)
References
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=905
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/pecan/pecan-tree-care.htm
- https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-217.pdf
