Species hardy pecan
Brown-green nuts with  light-maroon kernel inside on brown stalk and blurry green leaves.

hardy pecan

Carya illinoinensis

Hardy pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is an amazing tree to have in your garden. It is a hardy and versatile species that is native to North America and can thrive in most soil types. Hardy pecan produces clusters of nut-like fruit that are high in protein, minerals, and fatty acids. The tree can provide a great source of shade in the summer as well, and its sweet smell attracts beneficial pollinators. The wood is also valuable, as it is used for furniture and other craft items. Hardy pecan provides year round interest and beauty, making it a must have addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture,Root Suckering

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish-yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,orange,brown

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hardy pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) should be watered deeply and infrequently during the growth season but should also be kept moist throughout the summer. For the first 2 years after planting, the trees should be watered at least 2 to 3 times per week, giving them enough water to keep the soil moist but never soggy. After 2 years, waterings should be adjusted according to the weather and soil conditions. During extremely dry periods, the trees may need to be watered twice a week. On the other hand, if the weather is humid and rainy, waterings can be reduced to once a week or every other week.

sunlight

Hardy pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a tree species that requires full sun to thrive. An ideal location would be 1 that receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon before the sun becomes too harsh and hot. Hardy pecan trees will do best when planted in an area that provides more frequent sun exposure with little to no shade throughout the day. Planting the tree in a location where there is some afternoon shade may help it to better withstand high temperatures, but it is still important to ensure the tree is getting plenty of direct sunlight.

pruning

Pruning hardy pecans (Carya illinoinensis) is important for the health of the tree and should be done in the early spring. Pruning should be done just as buds are beginning to swell and before any new growth begins. It is important to only prune dead, damaged, and diseased branches and shoots. Remove any shoots growing vertically and any branches growing at a sharp angle off the trunk and branches. Also, remove any branches that are growing too close together to let in sunlight and airflow. Pruning should be done to maintain the shape of the tree and balance its canopy. If needed, removing some of the lower branches to let in more light and create space for the plants that will live below the canopy can also be done.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carya illinoinensis (hardy pecan) typically begins in late September and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Hardy pecan trees typically begin flowering in April.

Hardiness Map