Texas State Tree

Pecan

(Juglandaceae Carya illinoinensis )

Adopted in 1919.

The pecan, Juglandaceae Carya illinoinensis, is a large tree native to North America. It bears sweet edible nuts, deep brown in color, that range from 1 to 2 inches in length. Texas is the largest producer of native pecans, and is second only to Georgia in the production of hybrid (orchard grown) varieties. The pecan became the Texas state tree by act of the Texas Legislature in 1919. Governor James Hogg favored the tree so much that he requested that one be planted at his gravesite. Chapter 97 (Senate Bill No. 317), 36th Legislature, Regular Session (1919) p. 234

Description of the Texas State Tree

The mature pecan tree is usually 70 to 100 feet tall, as shown above, but can grow as tall as 150 feet and higher. The native pecan trees shown are estimated to be over 150 years old. Their trunks are more than three feet in diameter.

Pecan is one of the better-known pecan hickories. It is also called sweet pecan and in its range where Spanish is spoken, nogal morado or nuez encarcelada. The early settlers who came to America found pecans growing over wide areas. These native pecans were and continue to be highly valued as sources of new varieties and as stock for selected clones. Besides the commercial edible nut that it produces, the pecan provides food for wildlife. Pecans are an excellent multipurpose tree for the home landscape by providing a source of nuts, furniture-grade wood, and esthetic value.

Description:

• Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound with 9 to 15 finely serrate and often curved leaflets, 12 to 18 inches long.
• Flower: Male flowers in hanging, yellow-green catkins, often in pairs of three (4 to 5 inches long). Females are small and yellowish green, 4-angled.
• Fruit: Large, oblong, brown, splotched with black, thin shelled nuts, 1 ½ to 2 inches long, husks are thin, usually occur in clusters on trees. Mature in September and October.
• Twig: Moderately stout, light brown, fuzzy particularly, when young; leaf scars large and three lobed; buds are yellowish brown to brown, hairy, terminal buds ¼ to ½ inch long.
• Bark: Smooth when young, becoming narrowly fissured into thin broken strips, often scaly.
• Form: A large tree (can reach heights well over 100 feet) with spreading crown when in the open.

Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Pecan

Source:
Dendrology at Virginia Tech
US Department of Agriculture