The pecan, which is scientifically called “Carya illinoinensis”, thrives within natural bottom land groves along nearby lakes or rivers. These lakes and rivers are near water systems that are overflowing periodically. Pecan trees are originally growing by the Mississippi River's tributaries. According to fossil remains and evidences found through archeological studies, pecans have been collected and kept by Indian tribes. These Indians are the first inhabitants and settlers of the American nation. During the present times, these individuals are called “mound builders”. The American Indians have been found gathering pecans during the arrival of European colonists.



Native to America

Pecans are among the native produce of the U.S. It is rare to find pecan trees growing anywhere else in the world. The trees of this nut variety grow along the rivers of Texas and around the surrounding areas of Mississippi River's lower part. These areas include Kentucky, Indiana, and Iowa. The trees also grow in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. These nuts are carried to these areas by the nomadic Indian tribes, wherein they planted the seeds. Currently, there are different grades or varieties of the pecans. There are some trees that have survived over the years and have grown very large. One of these has a trunk that measures 7 feet in diameter and is found at a nursery farm in TyTy, Georgia.

The Resilient Pecan Trees

Pecans are known to grow abundantly within sunny areas, since it originated within the Southern part of the U.S. Despite this fact, there are some varieties that are quite resistant to the cold. As a matter of fact, a pecan tree can survive in very low temperatures. Even if it is below zero degrees or the weather keeps on changing, this tree is capable of surviving. There are a lot of homes that are growing pecans. Thomas Jefferson has his own nut orchard in Virginia. Up to the present time, these trees are still growing.

The Problem with Pecans

Over the passing years, the pecans have developed diseases. At first, the pecan nuts resisted the “scab” disease. Due to this plant disease, black spots appear on the tree's leaves. These spots may reach the nut's hulls. During the later stage of their growth, the scab will result to the pecans' premature blackening. It can also make the nuts drop prematurely even if they are not ripe yet. There are instances, wherein the entire crop develops the disease.

Since the disease tends to make the pecans drop prematurely, strong winds will result to the loss of the entire crop. This goes especially, when the summer season experiences strong winds and hurricanes. However, you will be able to avoid this if you spray the trees often with a plant treatment. Weed control may also help you keep off insects, which result to premature dropping, from the trees of the pecans. There are some pecan nut growers that treat their farm soil with certain elements to prevent the development of scabs.

Pecans are sought after during the holiday season to be used as ingredient for special recipes. Whatever pecan end product you want to buy, you can find it at Tanner's Pecans and Candies.