Pecan Hickory
Carya illinoinensis
Pecan Hickory (Carya illinoinensis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Pecan is marginal in our cold winters and alkaline soils, fruit set is unreliable even in good years; choose strictly for ornamental purposes.
medium water50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Carya illinoinensis
- Variety / cultivar
- Pecan
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Gold, yellow
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
- Watch: ExposureIt wants shelter; open, windy, reflected-heat sites batter it, so tuck it against a building or a windbreak.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pecan Hickory good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Pecan Hickory is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Pecan Hickory get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide.
- How much room does Pecan Hickory need?
- Give Pecan Hickory about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Pecan Hickory grow into?
- Pecan Hickory typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Pecan Hickory hardy on the Front Range?
- Pecan Hickory is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Pecan Hickory need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Pecan Hickory grow?
- Pecan Hickory is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Pecan Hickory live?
- Pecan Hickory is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Pecan Hickory turn in fall?
- Pecan Hickory turns gold and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Pecan Hickory native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
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See also
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