Pecan

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)
Height: 80 feet Spread: 60 feet Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade Hardiness Zone: 5a
 
Description: The Pecan tree is a massive tree primarily grown commercially for its delicious fruit or found in native woodland settings. It can also be used as a shade tree in large properties, though it is somewhat difficult to transplant. This tree is the source of the tasty pecan nuts that are loved by many.
 
Edible Qualities: Pecan is a large tree typically grown for its edible qualities. It produces brown nuts, usually ready for picking from early to mid-fall. The nuts have a sweet taste and a crunchy texture. They are most often used in the following ways:
Fresh Eating
Baking
 
Features & Attributes:
Foliage: Dark green deciduous foliage. The large compound leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall.
Fruits: Produces brown nuts in early fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on lawns or walkways and may require occasional clean-up.
Bark: Shaggy dark brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
 
Landscape Attributes:
Deciduous tree with a shapely oval form.
Average texture that blends into the landscape but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
High-maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep. Best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed.
Attracts squirrels to your yard.
 
Gardener Considerations:
Potential Issues:
Messy
Insects
Disease
 
Recommended Uses:
Shade
Orchard/Edible Landscaping
 
Planting & Growing:
Grows to about 80 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet.
High canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, making it unsuitable for planting under power lines. Lower branches can be strategically removed as it matures to create a high canopy that allows unobstructed human traffic underneath.
Grows at a medium rate and can live to a ripe old age of 120 years or more, making it a heritage tree for future generations.
While somewhat self-pollinating, it tends to set heavier quantities of fruit with a different variety of the same species growing nearby.
Typically grown in a designated area of the yard due to its mature size and spread.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and should do well under average home landscape conditions. May require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat.
Not particular about soil pH but grows best in rich soils.
Somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.
This species is native to parts of North America.