Pecan

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) The pecan tree is a large deciduous tree, growing to 66–130 ft in height, (occasionally to 144 ft); taller trees to 160–180 ft have been claimed but not verified. It typically has a spread of 39–75 ft with a trunk up to 6 1/2 ft in diameter.    Historically, the leading pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia, followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma; they are also grown in Arizona, South Carolina and Hawaii. Outside the United States, pecans are grown in Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.    Pecan is a straight-grained wood, though occasionally it will have an irregular or wavey texture. Heartwood is a reddish brown while its sapwood is white. Although often undervalued, pecan is a fine, attractive wood, its veneers often containing a beautiful mottled figure. Botanical Name Carya illinoinensis Origin South-central United States and Mexico Janka Hardness 1820 lbf Average Dried Weight 46 lbs/ft3 Workability Difficult to work, wood tends to dull cutting edges and tearout is common as a result. Glues, stains and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending. Related Species Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) Nutmeg Hickory (Carya myristiciformis) Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa) Water Hickory (Carya aquatica)