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Carya illinoinensis
| Common name: |
Pecan |
Family: |
Juglandaceae |
| Author: |
(Wangenh.)K.Koch. |
Botanical references: |
11, 82, 200 |
| Synonyms: |
Juglans pecan (Marshall.), Juglans illinoensis (Wangenh.), Hicoria pecan ((Marshall.)Britton.), Carya pecan ((Marshall.)Engl.&Graebn.), Carya oliviformis ((Michx.)Nutt.) |
| Known Hazards: |
None known |
| Range: |
Southern N. America - mainly along the Mississippi river valley. |
| Habitat: |
Rich moist soils of bottomlands[229], especially along the sides of streams[235]. |
| Edibility Rating (1-5): |
3 | Medicinal Rating (1-5): | 1 |
| Other Possible Synonyms: | From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below. |
| C. illinoensis[G]
Hicorius pecan[G]
Juglans illinoinensis[G]
Juglans oliviformis[G]
|
| Other Common Names: | From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below. |
| Pecan [P,B], |
| Systematics: | From a USDA
Plants Database |
|
Order: Juglandales. Walnut family
|
Physical Characteristics
A decidious tree growing to 50m at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in leaf from June to October, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.
The plant is self-fertile.
We rate it 3/5 for edibility and
1/5 for medicinal use.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade.
It requires moist soil.
Habitats and Possible Locations
Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Canton': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Carlson 3': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Devore': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Gibson': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Green Island': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Lucas': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Mullahy': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Rock': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Voiles 2': Woodland, Canopy.
Cultivar 'Witte': Woodland, Canopy.
Edible Uses
Milk; Oil; Seed; Tea.
Seed - raw or cooked[46, 82]. Sweet and delicious, they make an
excellent dessert and are also often added to ice cream, used in cakes, bread
etc[149, 183]. A milk can be made from the seed and is used to thicken soups,
season corn cakes, hominy etc[183]. The seed is up to 4cm long and is
produced in clusters of 3 -11[82, 229]. The seed ripens in late autumn and,
when stored in its shell in a cool place, will keep for at least 6 months[K].
An edible oil is obtained from the seed[177, 183].
The leaves are said to be used as a tea[177, 183].
Medicinal Uses
Disclaimer
Astringent; Parasiticide; TB.
The bark and leaves are astringent[227]. A decoction of the bark has
been used to treat TB[257].
The pulverized leaves have been rubbed on the skin to treat ringworm[257].
Other Uses
Fuel; Wood.
Wood - coarse-grained, hard, heavy, brittle, not strong. It weighs 45
lb. per cubic foot. It is not as valuable a timber as other members of this
genus and is used mainly for fuel and occasionally to make wagons and
agricultural implements[46, 82, 227, 235].
Cultivation details
Prefers a deep moisture-retentive loam in a sunny sheltered position,
requiring a good summer for best development[1, 63, 137, 200]. Tolerates a pH
in the range 4.5 to 8.3. Trees are fairly fast growing[200].
Trees do not grow very well in Britain, requiring hotter summers than are
normally experienced here in order to fruit and fully ripen their wood[200].
However, a tree at Cambridge botanical gardens was 20 metres tall in 1985.
Trees are said to be hardy to about -12°c, the same report also says that
they are hardy to zone 5[200], which would experience considerably lower
temperatures than this. Trees are probably much hardier when grown in areas
with hot summers. In the wild, trees grow best in areas where summer
temperatures average 24 - 30°c and the humidity is high[229].
Often cultivated for its edible seed, there are some named varieties[183].
Trees come into bearing when about 20 years old, the best period of
production being between the ages of 75 to 225 years old[229]. Mature trees
regularly give yields of 225 kilos, whilst yields of 450 kilos have been
recorded[229]. A number of cultivars have been developed in N. America that
succeed quite far north in that country[200]. These cultivars include:-
'Carlson 3'. Early maturing, it is being trialled in Canada[183].
'Devore'. An early fruiting form with small nuts that have an
excellent flavour[183].
'Gibson'. Precocious, protandrous, the nuts are of medium size with a
good flavour[183].
'Green Island'. Amongst the hardiest of cultivars, it has been
selected for nut size, flavour and productivity[183].
'Mullahy'. Hardy, precocious and very productive, it has ripened in
Ontario[183]. Nuts are fairly large with an excellent flavour.
'Voiles 2'. Usually ripens as far north as Ontario and New York[183].
The wind-blown pollen is a significant cause of hay fever in the Unitd
States[274].
This species is the State Tree of Texas[274].
Plants are strongly tap-rooted and should be planted in their permanent
positions as soon as possible[1, 137]. Sowing in situ would be the best
method so long as the seed could be protected from mice[1, 200].
Trees are late coming into leaf (usually late May to June) and lose their
leaves early in the autumn (usually in October)[137]. During this time they
cast a heavy shade. These factors combine to make the trees eminently
suitable for a mixed woodland planting with shrubs and other trees beneath
them[137].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Most species in this genus have quite a wide range of distribution and, in
order to find trees more suited to this country, seed from the most
appropriate provenances should be sought[137]. Most trees growing in Britain
at present tend to only produce good seed after hot summers[137].
Trees are self-fertile but larger crops of better quality seeds are produced
if cross-pollination takes place[229].
Propagation
Seed - requires a period of cold stratification. It is best sown in a
cold frame as soon as it is ripe[78]. Stored seed should be kept moist (but
not wet) prior to sowing and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as
possible[78]. Where possible, sow 1 or 2 seeds only in each deep pot and thin
to the best seedling. If you need to transplant the seedlings, then do this
as soon as they are large enough to handle, once more using deep pots to
accommodate the tap root. Put the plants into their permanent positions as
soon as possible, preferably in their first summer, and give them some
protection from the cold for at least the first winter[78, K]. Seed can also
be sown in situ so long as protection is given from mice etc and the seed is
given some protection from cold[200] (a plastic bottle with the top and
bottom removed and a wire mesh top fitted to keep the mice out is ideal)
Cultivars
- 'Witte'
- A fairly large nut, averaging 130 - 150 to a kilo[183]. It matures early and the kernel comprises 44 - 50% of the nut[183].
One of the best cultivars from this latitude, at one time considered to be the most northerly pecan area until more recent discoveries[183]. The tree starts bearing very late, the flowers are protandrous[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Voiles 2'
- This cultivar has been selected by the Northern Nutgrowers Association of North America[183]. It was found in central Illinois, where it ripens its nuts in late September and early October[183]. It is completely hardy in Michigan, with no winter damage at temperatures of -30°c[183]. It ripens its crop in New York and Ontario most years[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Rock'
- One of the largest nuts selected in the upper Mid West, it is a consistent producer of good quality nuts[183]. The year it was discovered, mature fallen nuts were harvested in the first week of October[183]. In comparison, several other cultivars growing 75 miles south had their nuts frozen and still green on the tree[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Mullahy'
- The largest pecan of Iowa origin yet found, the nut cracks out into perfect halves and is of excellent quality[183].
The tree shows some evidence of hybridization with hickories (Carya spp.)[183]. It comes into bearing early and flowers early in the season, along with the native hickories[183]. It is hardy to at least -35°c and early reports indicate that it can ripen in New York, Michigan and Ontario[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Lucas'
- The small to medium size nut averages 220 - 260 nuts per kilo, the oily kernel has a fine flavour, the nut cracks and fills well in the far northern pecan growing areas[183].
A precocious, hardy, heavy yielding protogynous tree[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Green Island'
- Selections from trees growing at the Green Island - Dubuque area of Iowa[183]. Only trees that have had crops in the past and show other merit with regard to nut size, production or early maturity are grafted[183]. These trees are the most northerly adapted native pecans in the world, there are none hardier[183].
- 'Gibson'
- A medium-size nut with good cracking qualities, it fills well well in the far northern pecan-growing area and has a very good flavour[183].
A precocious, protandrous cultivar, two year old grafted trees often producing a crop of nuts, it is a consistent and heavy producer[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Fritz'
- The medium size nut matures early[183].
A strong growing tree that produces wel but comes into bearing very late[183]. The flowers are protogynous and it may be very useful as a late pollen source[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Fisher'
- The medium-size nut cracks well and has a good flavour[183].
The tree produces well[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Devore'
- The small nuts average 260 to the kilo, they contain exceptionally well-flavoured kernels that are reminiscent of shagbark hickories (Carya ovata)[183].
An early fruiting form, it is a consistent producer[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Carlson 3'
- An early maturing cultivar that is being trialed in Canada[183]. Grafted plants flower in their third or fourth year after grafting[183]. This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
- 'Canton'
- An extra large, thin shelled pecan, it is proving to be a good produucer of early maturing nuts[183].
This is one of a group of cultivars that succeed in the very northern limits of pecan production[183], and so is more likely to succeed in Britain[K].
Suppliers
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.
Web References
References for the family Juglandaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.
Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.
[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
[46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
[63] Howes. F. N. Nuts. Faber 1948
Rather old but still a masterpiece. Has sections on tropical and temperate plants with edible nuts plus a section on nut plants in Britain. Very readable.
[78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948
A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
[82] Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965 ISBN 0-486-20278-X
Two volumes, a comprehensive listing of N. American trees though a bit out of date now. Good details on habitats, some details on plant uses. Not really for the casual reader.
[137] ? The Plantsman. Vol. 9. 1986 - 1987. Royal Horticultural Society 1986
Excerpts from the periodical giving cultivation details and other notes on some of the useful plants including Carya spp and Crocus sativus.
[149] Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press 1987 ISBN 0-292-78958-3
Fairly readable, it gives details of habitats and some of the uses of trees growing in Texas.
[177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[227] Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. 1982 ISBN 0292780206
A readable guide to the area, it contains descriptions of the plants and their habitats with quite a bit of information on plant uses.
[229] Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980 ISBN 0442238622
A very good concise guide. Gives habitats, good descriptions, maps showing distribution and a few of the uses. It also includes the many shrubs that occasionally reach tree proportions.
[235] Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970 ISBN 0-486-22642-5
Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.
[257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.
Readers Comments
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