The scientific name of Pecan is the botanical name or formal name. The Spaniards took the pecan into Europe, Asia, and Africa beginning in the 16th century. [citation needed]. Pecan, (Carya illinoinensis), nut and tree of the walnut family (Juglandaceae) native to temperate North America. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Pecan Genus and Other Classification Genus is a group of plants which are related to each other in some or the other way. Nuts are large, of … 1. This dispersal strategy coincides with the development of a husk around the fruit and a drastic change in the relative concentrations of fatty acids. For more information regarding what tree varieties are best for your neighborhood, contact your local extension agent: Find My Cooperative Extension : Free Shipping on Orders $100+ Pecan cultivars vary widely in yield potential, nut quality, date of maturity, tree form and resistance to insects and diseases. To speed nut production and retain the best tree characteristics, grafting from mature productive trees was the obvious strategy. Cultivar selection is the most important factor in purchasing pecan trees. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts, such as pecan pie, a traditional Southern U.S. dish. Numerous varieties produce well in Texas, but fail in the Southeastern U.S. due to increased disease pressure. Pecans are a hickory tree species with grayish-brown bark and thick narrow fissures. In their native range, pecan trees are usually found growing in an area with deep, moist soil, such as a river or creek bottom. Includes extensive resources on pecan growth and pest … Sun-loving pecan trees can grow 70 to 100 feet tall and frequently live up to 200 years or longer, out-competing other flood plain species when given enough sun as young trees. In a 100 g reference amount, pecans provide 691 Calories and a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of total fat, protein, dietary fiber (38% DV), manganese (214% DV), magnesium (34% DV), phosphorus (40% DV), zinc (48% DV), and thiamin (57% DV) (table). These Spanish explorers called the pecan, nuez de la arruga, which roughly translates to "wrinkle nut". [7], The pecan tree is a large deciduous tree, growing to 20–40 m (66–131 ft) in height, rarely to 44 m (144 ft). Look for varieties with resistance to scab disease, the most devastating for pecan trees. [39] California adopted it, along with the almond, pistachio, and walnut, as one of four state nuts in 2017. [29], A pecan nut is 4% water, 72% fat, 9% protein, and 14% carbohydrates (table). The scions were supplied by Dr. A. E. Colomb who had unsuccessfully attempted to graft them himself. & Graebn. By the 1700s, American settlers were cultivating pecans, and a pecan export business soon followed. Various other disorders are documented, including canker disease and shuck decline complex. Pecan trees need sunlight for optimal nut production. The name "pecan" comes from an Algonquin word that describes nuts cracked with a stone. [8][9][10][11], Pecans were one of the most recently domesticated major crops. [21] Some regions of the U.S. such as parts of Florida and Puerto Rico are zone 10 or higher, and these regions have limited options for pecan cultivation. Most such hybrids are unproductive. [26] Similarly, zinc deficiency causes rosetting of the leaves. Their wide canopy of 75 ft. (23 m) provides plenty of shade underneath. The fruits of the pecan genus Carya differ from those of the walnut genus Juglans only in the formation of the husk of the fruit. New varieties of pecan trees were introduced when the practice of grafting together two trees with superior characteristics gained popularity in the 1800s. To summarize, it may be difficult to distinguish between pecan varieties. The common name of this plant in Spanish is Carya illinoinensis. HIPE: Hicoria pecan (Marshall) Britton SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : Pecan is classified as shade intolerant but is more shade tolerant than cottonwood or willow. The pecan is a large tree with a narrow, pyramid-shaped crown in the forest, and a broad and rounded crown in the open. Production potential drops significantly when planted further north than Tennessee. Kanza, a northern-adapted release from the USDA breeding program, is a grafted pecan having high productivity and quality, and cold tolerance.[25]. Yes, folks; if your pecan tree has sap dripping from it, it’s probably the digestive remnants from either the black margined or yellow pecan tree aphid. We also have several pecan tree pictures available for you to examine. The ratio of oleic to linoleic acids are inverted between wind- and animal-dispersed seeds. You can then estimate the age of the tree by multiplying this growth factor by the DBH in inches. [1] The tree is cultivated for its seed in the southern United States, primarily in Georgia,[2] New Mexico,[3] and Texas,[4] and in Mexico, which produces nearly half of the world total. Trunks mature to 2-4’ in diameter. The husks are produced from the exocarp tissue of the flower, while the part known as the nut develops from the endocarp and contains the seed. This is the DBH of the tree. The period of pollination groups all cultivars into two families: those that shed pollen before they can receive pollen (protandrous), and those that shed pollen after becoming receptive to pollen (protogynous). Most importantly, p… The tree may reach 70 to 100 feet in height and 40 to 80 feet in width. Varieties that are available and adapted (e.g., 'Major', 'Martzahn', 'Witte', 'Greenriver', 'Mullahy', and 'Posey') in zones 6 and farther north are almost entirely selections from wild stands. On older trees, the bark forms large, flattened, scale-like patches. UGA Pecan Team Blog The UGA Pecan Extension Blog is designed to provide timely information relevant to pecan production in Georgia for use by county extension agents and pecan producers.. Pecans at UGA Summarizes the history and recent production output of Georgia's pecan growers. Stuart. Pecan tree fun facts: The Pecan is the State Tree of Texas. Shop by State Find your state and shop by pecan recommendations from your local Agricultural Extension Agent. [18] Little or no breeding work has been done with these populations. However, many plantings do not produce because of poor variety, poor site selection, lack of fertilization, or poor insect and disease control. There is little agreement in the United States, even regionally, as to the "correct" pronunciation. The pecan tree (Carya illinoinenis) is a native American tree that loses its leaves in the winter and produces delicious, meaty nuts in the fall. Pollination is the exchange of pollen between trees to fertilize the flowers so the tree can produce pecans. Scientific name is the name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). They have an open, spreading growth habit. In the United States, pecans have a natural range that extends from central Texas to northern Mississippi and as far north as southern Illinois. The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to northern Mexico and the southern United States in the region of the Mississippi River. Problems encountered due to a poor choice in cultivars can be difficult or impossible to correct through cultural methods, and … Pecan trees are not only grown for nut production in large orchards, but also in landscapes for their attractive shape and dense shade. For effective pollination, it is important to have a tree that first produces male flowers (catkins) planted near a tree that first produces female (pistillate) flowers.. Pecan trees that produce male flowers, or pollen, first are called protandrous, and those that flowers first are called protogynous. Native American tribes harvested wild pecans and were the first to cultivate pecan trees. However, this proved technically difficult. Various insects feed on the leaves stems and developing nuts. Do you have a chart that shows the types of pecans and their names so I can easily identify my pecans? When selecting a pecan variety for home planting, the most important factor to consider [23] University of Georgia has a breeding program at the Tifton campus working to select pecan varieties adapted to subtropical southeastern U.S. growing conditions.[2]. Pecan falls into the Pecan-Hickory grouping , which tends to be slightly stabler but weaker than the True-Hickories, and is considered to be a semi-ring-porous wood. Grafted varieties produce fruit in … Pecan trees grow wild in the United States and also are cultivated widely for their fruit, the pecan nut, and wood with its beautiful grain. Varieties of pecan trees that are protogynous, or flowering first, are Wichita, Kiowa, Elliot, Curtis, Burkett and Candy. "Pecan" is from an Algonquian word variously referring to pecans, walnuts and hickory nuts. The pecan may be eaten raw, sweetened or salted. The second major step in the development of pecan was a change from wind-dispersed fruits to animal dispersion. Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees, C. illinoinensis (Illinois nuts), in his nut orchard at his home, Monticello, in Virginia. Open grown pecan trees have massive trunks and oval or rounded wide spreading crowns of branches that extend far down the trunk. The first fossil examples of the family appear during the Cretaceous. Widely cultivated by commercial growers throughout the Southeastern portion of the United … [33], Pecan is a 32 chromosome species that readily hybridizes with other 32 chromosome members of the Carya genus, such as Carya ovata, Carya laciniosa, Carya cordiformis and has been reported to hybridize with 64 chromosome species such as Carya tomentosa. Your climate may not be conducive for pecan tree growth or your state has not released its recommendations. The tree is cultivated for its seed in the southern United States, primarily in Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas, and in Mexico, which produces nearly half of the world total. New varieties of pecan trees were introduced when the practice of grafting together two trees with superior characteristics gained popularity in the 1800s. All trees produce both male and female flowers but not at the same time. Need help choosing the right pecan tree?Below are some helpful links for selecting the best pecan tree. Pecans are a major ingredient in American praline candy. In the Southeastern United States, nickel deficiency in C. illinoinensis produces a disorder called mouse-ear in trees fertilized with urea. [6] The most common American pronunciation is /pɪˈkɑːn/. Most breeding efforts for northern-adapted varieties have not been on a large enough scale to significantly affect production. [19][20] Improved varieties recommended for cultivation in Mexico are USDA developed cultivars. [40] In 1988, Oklahoma enacted an official state meal which included pecan pie.[41]. Varieties of pecan trees that are protandrous, or produce pollen first, are Cape Fear, Pawnee, Onliwon, Desirable, Clark, Moore and Western. Pecan trees are wind pollinated. [30], The pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is a member of the Juglandaceae family. The leaves are alternate, 30–45 cm (12–18 in) long, and pinnate with 9–17 leaflets, each leaflet 5–12 cm (2–4 1⁄2 in) long and 2–6 cm (1–2 1⁄2 in) broad. The 12-to-20-inch long compound leaves have alternate leaflets that are about 6 inches long. [15] State level resources provide recommended varieties for specific regions. Pecan trees are heat-tolerant and typically grow well in the warmer climates of the South and West (Zones 7-9). These range from scab to hickory shuckworm to shuck decline. They are very similar to the Elliott pecans, in that it has great oil content, tastes delicious, and make perfect halves. Scab is currently the most destructive disease affecting pecan trees untreated with fungicides. Everything about the pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is supersize, from its soaring height to its long lifespan to its enormous annual nut harvest. They are also found in the central and the northeast sections of Mexico. The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. Pecan trees are enormous and can grow to between 66 and 130 ft. (20 – 40 m) tall. Non-grafted seedlings and native Pecan trees often take 10 to 15 years to begin to produce fruit. We also offer some varieties that are hardy enough be grown successfully in cooler climates as far north as the upper Midwest (Zones 5-6). Facts about pecan trees may surprise and even astonish you. By the 1700s, American settlers were cultivating pecans, and a pecan export business soon followed. The first Europeans to come into contact with pecans were Spanish explorers in what is now Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : Pecan flowers from March to May about a week after the leaves have started to open. The seed is an edible nut used as a snack and in various recipes, such as praline candy and pecan pie. All Rights Reserved. As a wild forage, the fruit of the previous growing season is commonly still edible when found on the ground. Most of these species are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere of the New World, but some can be found on every continent except for Antarctica. Outside the United States, Mexico produces nearly half of the world total, similar in volume to the United States, together accounting for 93% of global production. [24] The long cycle time for pecan trees plus financial considerations dictate that new varieties go through an extensive vetting process before being widely planted. [22], Active breeding and selection is carried out by the USDA Agricultural Research Service with growing locations at Brownwood and College Station, Texas. Pecan nuts were derived from seedling pecan trees until about 150 years ago. Pecan genus and other classification is necessary information to know for every botanist. Extant examples of Engelhardioideae are generally tropical and evergreen, while those of Juglandioideae are deciduous and found in more temperate zones. Hybrids are referred to as "hicans" to indicate their hybrid origin. Pecan trees are native to the United States, and writing about the pecan tree goes back to the nation's founders. Plant growth and development resemble a forest tree species rather than a domesticated crop. He has 30 years of business and farming experience and holds bachelor's degrees in English writing from St. Edward's University and finance from Lamar University. The pecan, in various aspects, is included in state symbols of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, and Texas. A seeping pecan tree is more than likely afflicted with pecan tree aphids. This represents a gap in breeding development given that native pecans can be cultivated at least down to the Yucatan peninsula while the USDA cultivars have chilling hour requirements greater than occur in much of the region. Select varieties that are resistant to pecan scab. The seeping from the pecan trees is simply honeydew , a sweet, charming nomenclature for aphid poop. The seed is an edible nut used as a snack and in various recipes, such as praline candy and pecan pie. Rich and distinctive in flavour and texture, the pecan has one of the highest fat contents of any vegetable product and a caloric value close to that of butter. The outer husk is 3–4 mm (1⁄8–5⁄32 in) thick, starts out green and turns brown at maturity, at which time it splits off in four sections to release the thin-shelled seed. Pecan trees naturally grow in warm areas of high humidity. Hardy Pecan – The Hardy Pecan tree, Carya Illinoinensis, is a beautiful, majestic tree that grows to a height of 70 to 100 feet with a spread of 40 … The bark ranges from brown to gray and is rough. [34], In 1919, the 36th Texas Legislature made the pecan tree the state tree of Texas; in 2001, the pecan was declared the state's official "health nut", and in 2013, pecan pie was made the state's official pie. The taproot of a mature pecan tree grows to a depth of more than 10 feet, according to the University of Florida Extension Service. Pecans first became known to Europeans in the 16th century. The difference in each pecan variety comes down to two main distinctions: the size of the nut and the thickness of the shell. Although wild pecans were well known among native and colonial Americans as a delicacy, the commercial growing of pecans in the United States did not begin until the 1880s. Our only Native pecan tree, growing wild for over 100 years, towers over the surrounding trees. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, autumn pecan pie image by Roslen Mack from, University of Arkansas Extension: Pecan Varieties Selection. Check out our BARE ROOT PECANS. Look for trees with cold tolerance and insect and disease resistance. Shop by Quality - Type 1 - Type 2 - Pap The husk itself is aeneous, that is, brassy greenish-gold in color, oval to oblong in shape, 2.6–6 cm (1–2 3⁄8 in) long and 1.5–3 cm (5⁄8–1 1⁄8 in) broad. The seeds of the pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. This was accomplished by a slave called Antoine in 1846 or 1847, who was owned by Jacques Telesphore Roman of the Oak Alley Plantation near the Mississippi river. Native pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are difficult to crack, while cultivated hybrid cultivars, called papershell pecans, have thin shells that are easy to open. Pecan trees grow to 180 feet tall with large trunks up to 6 feet in diameter. Other tree species employing a strong taproot system include hickory, walnut, butternut, white oak and hornbeam. Young pecan tree leaves often look the same as the leaves of many other types of trees, making it a challenge to identify them while the plants are immature. [13] Generally, two or more trees of different cultivars must be present to pollinate each other. [14], Choosing cultivars can be a complex practice, based on the Alternate Bearing Index (ABI) and their period of pollinating. CBH (inches) / Pi = DBH (inches), where Pi is the constant (3.141592). A few selections from native stands have been made such as Frutosa and Norteña which are recommended for cultivation in Mexico. New varieties of pecan trees were introduced when the practice of grafting together two trees with superior characteristics gained popularity in the 1800s. [5] There are many variant pronunciations, some regional and others not. [31][32] Further differentiation from other species of Juglandaceae occurred about 44 million years ago during the Eocene. [35] The town of San Saba, Texas claims to be "The Pecan Capital of the World" and is the site of the "Mother Tree" (c. 1850) considered to be the source of the state's production through its progeny. The nuts, or pecans, are produced during the summer and fall from the tree in the autumn. [36][37] Alabama named the pecan the official state nut in 1982. The nuts, or pecans, are produced during the summer and fall from the tree in the autumn. Websites UGA-affiliated sites. Pecan plant clade, plant tribe and order fall under the scientific classification of Pecan. Most native or “wild” pecans have been known to have thicker shells and smaller nuts than improved varieties. Pecans are prone to infection by bacteria and fungi such as Pecan scab, especially in humid conditions. The cultivar ‘Centennial’ was grafted in Louisiana in 1846 (Sparks 1992). 3. Juglandaceae are represented worldwide by between seven and 10 extant genera and more than 60 species. If you are planting an orchard, you need to know the eventual height and width of your chosen varieties so the trees are not crowded. Since pecan production is limited in the northern states, this is a perfect choice if you live up north and wish to plant a pecan tree… [8], A pecan, like the fruit of all other members of the hickory genus, is not truly a nut, but is technically a drupe, a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk. Pecan trees originated in central and eastern North America. Scientific Name; CAOL6: Carya oliviformis (Michx. Cultivars, such as 'Elliot', are increasing in popularity due to resistance to Pecan scab. Pecan is a subclimax species [11,18]. Selection programs are ongoing at the state level, with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and others having trial plantings. Pecans reach maturity at about twelve years old and can live as long as 300 years. Pecan is a North American member of the walnut plant family (Juglandaceae) and is the only species in the hickory genus (Carya) of widespread horticultural significance. It typically grows 75-100’ (infrequently to 150’) tall with a large rounded spreading crown. The nut harvest for growers is typically around mid-October. The husks of pecans develop from the bracts and the bracteoles only.[32]. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! They noted the particularly thin shell and acorn-like shape of the fruit, indicating they were indeed referring to pecans. It bears within 6-10 years of planting. Pecan fat content consists principally of monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid (57% of total fat), and the polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid (30% of total fat). The pecan tree (Carya illinoinenis) is a native American tree that loses its leaves in the winter and produces delicious, meaty nuts in the fall. [16][17], Native pecans in Mexico are adapted from zone 9 to zone 11. Native American tribes harvested wild pecans and were the first to cultivate pecan trees. [14] Commercial growers are most concerned with the ABI, which describes a cultivar's likelihood to bear on alternating years (index of 1.0 signifies highest likelihood of bearing little to nothing every other year). 2. A 10-year-old sapling grown in optimal conditions will stand about 5 m (16 ft) tall. In 1792, William Bartram reported in his botanical book, Travels, a nut tree, Juglans exalata that some botanists today argue was the American pecan tree, but others argue was hickory, Carya ovata. While selection work has been done since the late 19th century, most acreage of pecans grown today is of older cultivars, such as 'Stuart', 'Schley', 'Elliott', and 'Desirable', with known flaws but also with known production potential. [8] It typically has a spread of 12–23 m (39–75 ft) with a trunk up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) diameter. The pecan tree is native to North America, and most pecan tree varieties grow well from Illinois down to Florida and across the south to Texas. It is the largest of all the hickory trees. The pecan, in various aspects, is included in state symbols of Alabama, Arkansas, California, The pecan phylloxera consists of at least four species that attack leaves, twigs, and nuts. The nuts, known as pecans, are a frequent addition to baked goods and desserts. In North Carolina, pecan … "USDA Pecan Breeding Program, National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Pecans and Hickories", "gov/carya species/illinoinensis ilnatdis", "Tecnología de Producción en Nogal Pecanero", "Pecan pralines a sweet tradition (no matter how you say it)", "Grill Gourmet: The Best Wood And Food Pairings To Try This Season", "Evolution, Phylogeny, and Systematics of Juglandaceae", National Center for Home Food Preservation—Home Preservation of pecans, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pecan&oldid=991304350, Trees of the Great Lakes region (North America), Articles with unsourced statements from December 2018, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 November 2020, at 10:41. George Washington reported in his journal that Thomas Jefferson gave him "Illinois nuts", pecans, which Washington then grew at Mount Vernon, his Virginia home. Pecan tree varieties known for stronger branches are more desirable for planting in a landscape because they require less maintenance. It responds well to release in all age groups, provided that the trees have good vigor. Pecans are famed for their tasty nuts. The main purpose of having a scientific name is to have a same name accepted and used worldwide. Pecan trees originated in central and eastern North America. Differentiation between the subfamilies of Engelhardioideae and Juglandioideae occurred during the early Paleogene, about 64 million years ago. It is a popular old cultivar which has originated as seedling in Mississippi. Recommendations for preventive spray materials and schedules are available from state level resources. We have compiled a collection of pecan pictures for your viewing pleasure. Before European settlement, pecans were widely consumed and traded by Native Americans. [30] Pecans are a moderate source (10-19% DV) of iron and B vitamins. [3] They can be grown from USDA hardiness zones approximately 5 to 9, and grow best where summers are long, hot and humid. The crops of sweet nuts are abundant and contine regardless of age. CAPE26: Carya pecan (Marshall) Engl. Collingwood, G. H., Brush, W. D., & Butches, D., eds. [38] Arkansas adopted it as the official nut in 2009. Not finding the variety you want? Pecans have been cultivated for a relatively short period of time. [12] As of 2014, the United States produced an annual crop of 119.8 million kilograms (264.2 million pounds), with 75% of the total crop produced in Georgia, New Mexico and Texas. f.) Nutt. The Centennial cultivar was the first to be successfully grafted. These include ambrosia beetles, twig girdlers, pecan nut casebearer, hickory shuckworm, phylloxera, curculio, weevils, and several aphid species. Overwintering occurs as a single egg laid of a neotenous female in the rough bark or crevices on the tree. [27] Other applications of cooking with pecans include pecan oil and pecan butter. (1964). As the common name implies, Carya illinoinensis is the tree responsible for producing Pecan nuts commonly used in snacks and cooking recipes, and is the state tree of Texas. 'Western' is the only commonly available variety that can make a crop in low chill zones. Pecans are subject to a wide range of diseases, pests, and physiological disorders that can limit tree growth and fruit production. The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to northern Mexico and the southern United States in the region of the Mississippi River. Varieties adapted from the southern tier of states north through some parts of Iowa and even into southern Canada are available from nurseries. The trees vary very little, the main noticeable difference being the size of the nut produced. Your climate plays an important role in whether a pecan tree will be successful. Next, use the Tree Species & Growth Factors table to find the growth factor associated with the species of tree. Carya illinoinensis, commonly called hardy pecan, is a large deciduous lowland tree that is the largest of the hickories. Commercial production of pecans was slow because trees are slow to mature and bear fruit. Pecan Varieties – Identification Q: I have several different types of pecan trees. Stuart. Jay Golberg is a certified Texas nursery professional and professional project manager. Pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) are relatively affordable and bring beauty, shade, and food to your landscape. The trees are very resistant to diseases and ripen from early- to mid-September. The name "pecan" comes from an Algonquin word that describes nuts cracked with a stone. More importantly, the trees grown from nuts of one tree have very diverse characters. Pecan wood is used in making furniture and wood flooring,[28] as well as a flavoring fuel for smoking meats, giving grilled foods a sweet and nutty flavor stronger than many fruit woods. The leaves often resemble those from members of the hickory tree family. Pecan tree varieties known for stronger branches are more desirable for planting in a landscape because they require less maintenance. The husks of walnuts develop from the bracts, bracteoles, and sepals, or sepals only. Pecan trees originated in central and eastern North America. Because of their familiarity with the genus Juglans, these early explorers referred to the nuts as nogales and nueces, the Spanish terms for "walnut trees" and "fruit of the walnut". Make sure the hardiness zone range of the tree you choose includes your area. Forest trees have a straight trunk and compact, pyramidal crowns.