Pecan (Carya illinoensis) is a multipurpose tree that provides a source of nuts, furniture-grade wood, and is a beautiful landscape tree. This native pecan hickory is important as a parent for creating new varieties to meet the commercial demand for quality nut meats. Pecan grows mostly in the lower Mississippi River valley. It is found in a large portion of eastern Texas, most of Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio. Pecan grows in a hot, humid climate with temperature extremes ranging from 115 F to -20 F. It grows on well drained soils from loams to heavy textured soils. It grows rather rapidly and on native loam soils growth can reach 35 inches per year. It is classifed as intolerant of shade, has only moderate tolearance for dry conditions and is reported to be hardy to -21 F. However, we have native pecans growing in northeast Nebraska where temperatures easily sink to nearly - 30 F. This tree is important for wildlife, lumber, nuts, and landscaping.