Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
For a large tree with edible nuts, consider planting the magnificent Native Pecan Tree. Botanically called Carya illinoinensis, the Native Pecan Tree tends to grow to around 70 to 100 feet tall, but can grow higher in ideal conditions. Covered in attractive glossy foliage, it produces catkins from April to May and nuts for harvesting around October. This tree is perfect for providing shade.
A North American native, the Native Pecan is a deciduous tree that is suitable for growing in zones 5 to 9. It forms a pleasing symmetrical shape with a mainly oval crown. Being such a large specimen, it is better suited to larger landscapes and open spaces. The nuts are favored by wildlife, especially squirrels.
Native Pecan Tree Care
The Native Pecan Tree performs best in full sun. It prefers a moist and fertile soil that is deep and well drained. Water deeply and regularly after planting until it is established. Fertilizing with a balanced feed and supplementary zinc will help encourage nut formation. Due to its impressive mature size, it should not be planted near structures or under overhead lines.
Any pruning is best carried out when the tree is dormant in winter. Remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches and thin the canopy if it becomes very dense.
Native Pecan Tree Spacing
In the right conditions, the Native Pecan Tree can grow to around 100 feet tall and produce a canopy 40 to 75 feet wide. Multiple specimens can be spaced around 40 to 80 feet apart to allow the crowns to mature and develop symmetrically.
Native Pecan Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 70-100 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 40-75 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Green, Yellow
- Flower Description
- Gold/Yellow to Green
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Harvest Time
- October to November
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Yellow
- Foliage Description
- Green, Gold in Spring
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Native Pecan Tree
- Also Known As
- Hardy Pecan
- Botanical Name
- Carya illinoinensis
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!