11/26/2025
This Week’s Tree Talk: Northern Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)! 🌳
The northern pecan is a large, native deciduous tree that thrives in full sun and reaches 70–100+ feet tall. Long-lived and sturdy, northern pecan trees can live over 300 years!
Cold hardy and resilient, the northern pecan is also an adaptable species. However, it grows best in moist, rich, loamy soils—typically found along river bottoms—and its deep roots help support erosion control and watershed protection. 🌱🏞️
Northern pecan features a broad, rounded crown with large leaves, 18–24 inches long, each made up of many leaflets. Bright green foliage deepens to yellow-green in summer and turns yellow/brown in fall. Its brownish-black bark becomes more scaly and furrowed with age. 🍃
Greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring and develop into nuts encased in green husks. By fall, the husks turn brown and split open, then drop for harvest—or for wildlife like squirrels, birds, foxes, and deer to enjoy. 🌳🐦
Fun Fact: About 80% of the world’s pecans are grown in the United States! While northern pecan trees may produce a delicious snack, they’re also valued for their durable wood, deep roots, and wildlife benefits. 🥧🪑🪹
