Carya illinoinensis CHOCTAW

PECAN - the largest nut tree from the Carya genus, naturally found most often in the Mississippi River valley. It blooms in April-May, with greenish-yellow flowers. When the fruit is ripe, the shell splits in four places. The nuts are edible and sweet. The Carya genus (Carya Nutt.) is related to the walnut genus (Juglans), which also includes the walnut tree. Its frost resistance is USDA zone 5, so it winters no worse than any walnut tree. These are large and very strong, centuries-old trees that yield valuable nuts. Young trees grow slowly, the first two years by a dozen, then by a few dozen centimeters per year. The plant is self-pollinating, blooms with both male and female flowers. Fruits up to 4 cm long, eaten fresh and processed (in bread, confectionery), sweet and delicate taste. Seeds ripen in late autumn and can be stored in a cool cellar for up to 2 years. Plants begin to bear fruit relatively late, only in the 15th year, and the yield is lower than that of walnuts (which also explains the price of nuts). Maximum yield of up to 400 kg (average - 225 kg) is reached from the 75th to the 225th year, then gradually decreases. The sap of the plant is sweet, like maple sap, it is collected in the spring, syrup is made from it. The plant is undemanding to the soil, and will grow best in normal fertility, moisture-retaining, non-waterlogging loam, in a sunny place in the shade. Ideal pH 6.5, but it can also grow in more acidic soils. If you have a lot of free space in your orchard, this plant is just for you. Decorative with scaly bark, in 200 years it reaches a height of 20 to 30 meters and looks really impressive. Decorative in autumn - yellow leaves. More https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Carya+illinoinensis