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Pecan Tree

Pseudhomalopoda

The Pecan Tree is a tall tree that produces tasty pecans. These nuts are often used in pies and are great for snacking!

Habitat: Rich, well-drained soils

Appearance

The Pecan Tree has a majestic, spreading canopy and distinctively furrowed, grayish-brown bark. Its long, compound leaves consist of multiple slender, pointed leaflets, creating a lush green appearance in summer. The oval, reddish-brown nuts grow in clusters, encased in a green husk that splits open when ripe.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsida

Pecan Tree

Interesting facts

Did you know the word "pecan" comes from an Algonquin word meaning "a nut requiring a stone to crack"?

Pecan pie is a super famous dessert, especially popular during holidays in America!

Pecan wood is incredibly strong and beautiful, often used to make furniture and flooring!

Pecans are the state tree of Texas, celebrated for their delicious nuts!

Special abilities

Pecan Trees have a very deep taproot that helps them access water deep underground, ensuring survival during dry periods.

Pecan nuts are protected by a tough outer husk that shields them from pests and harsh weather until they are ripe.

Pecan Trees release vast amounts of pollen into the air, carried by wind to fertilize other trees for reproduction.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-40 m
Canopy Spread: 15-25 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 60-120 cm
Lifespan: 150-300 years
Fruit Type: Nut (botanically a drupe)
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eats

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Cracks and eats pecan nuts

parasitizes

Pecan Weevil

Curculio caryae

Larvae feed inside developing nuts

shelters

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

Nests in cavities and forages on bark

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on young pecan saplings

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Nut Bearing

Discover wonderful plants that grow delicious, nutritious nuts, providing tasty snacks for both humans and wildlife.

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.