Carya illinoensis
 Pecan

The pecan is a native species that is found as a prized tree in the landscape as well as in commercial groves and orchards in the four states region. The pecan prefers a rich deep well drained aluvial soil and is found along major and minor rivers in the area. The photo above (right) is a managed grove of native pecans owned by Mr. Merideth Edwards, along the Red River in Bowie County, Texas.
 

The darkened region illustrates the native range and distribution of the pecan in North America.
Short stalks of staminate (male) flowers called catkins can be seen in this photo.
Botanical drawing illustrates that the pecan is characterized by having simple compound leaves, a fleshy involucre (shuck) that splits along sutures and releases the "nut". However, the fruit is botanically classified as a drupe. Some of the genetic variation in size a shape of the fruit is also indicated. 
Pecans are an extrememly important horticultural crop for several southern & southwestern states. Texas is the US leader in total commercial (native & improved) production.


Nutty Links... 
Horticulture 418 NUT CULTURE Link Page at Texas A&M University