Carya illinoinensis Choctaw - Pecan Tree

The Carya illinoinensis Choctaw or Pecan tree is a hardy medium-sized tree, but it requires warm and long summers to bear fruit. That's why it is preferable to plant it in mild climates, even though it can withstand colder temperatures. This late variety produces large pecans in November. It reaches maturity relatively late compared to other varieties, producing after 5 to 7 years. It is best planted in spring, in neutral to slightly acidic and moist, even damp soil. This variety is partially self-fertile.

Native to North America, the Carya illinoinensis is a tall tree, with the typical species measuring from 20 to 40m (66 to 131ft) in height and 10m (33ft) or more in diameter. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family, like the Walnut tree. Its deciduous leaves are elongated and consist of 11 to 13 leaflets. Green in colour, they turn a beautiful golden hue in autumn. The pecan tree is hardy, tolerating cold winters down to -15°C, but it requires long and warm summers to bear fruit. Male flowers appear at the end of March, in the form of long yellow catkins. They are followed by the formation of young shoots and then inconspicuous female flowers. Although the male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, their flowering periods are different.

This 'Choctaw' variety, a Pecan tree in Group B, is partially self-fertile and can therefore self-pollinate. However, cross-pollination between two trees will promote fruiting. In this case, it is recommended to plant another tree from Group A (at a distance of 15 to 50m (49 to 164ft) from 'Choctaw'). The most recommended varieties are 'Desirable', 'Jackson', and 'Oconee'. The tree reaches a height of about 15m (49ft), or even 20m (66ft), with a width of 10 to 15m (33 to 49ft). This 'Choctaw' variety is highly resistant to diseases (scab) and produces large, delicious pecans when roasted. Fruiting is late and usually occurs in November. This variety only reaches maturity after 5 to 7 years, so patience is required before enjoying its fruit! The fruit of the Pecan tree is a drupe, with a fleshy green outer shell. This shell, called a husk, opens at maturity, releasing a shell containing the pecan nut. Harvesting takes place from late summer to autumn. The pecan nut, similar in taste to the walnut, has a smoother kernel. The shells can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Pecans can be consumed on their own or used in pastries.

This Pecan tree is best suited for larger gardens, especially if a second tree is added for cross-pollination. It thrives in cool conditions and requires regular watering, so an ample water supply is necessary, which is not always the case in hotter southern regions. It can be planted in an irrigated orchard consisting of fig trees, pomegranate trees, citrus trees, jujube trees, and other fruit-bearing species that thrive in warm climates.