Northern Pecan (Carya illionensis)

We grow northern pecan for people who are planning long-term, resilient landscapes and want a truly high-value tree crop that fits into colder climates. These northern strains can ripen nuts where standard southern pecans fail, offering a reliable source of rich, calorie-dense food plus excellent wildlife habitat and eventual timber value. As part of a food forest or agroforestry system, northern pecan serves as a canopy species that stacks nuts, shade, carbon, and long-term resilience into a single planting.

Northern pecan grows into a large, long-lived shade tree with a strong central leader, deep taproot, and broad, airy canopy. Growth is steady rather than fast in the early years as the tree invests heavily in root development, then accelerates once established. The tree leafs out late in spring, helping it avoid frost damage, and produces separate male and female flowers that are wind-pollinated. Over time, it develops a stately form and a deep root system that allows it to handle drought, wind, and variable weather with ease.

Size at Maturity- 60–90 ft tall, 40–70 ft wide

Current Size- 8"-18" Top Growth with 8"+ taproot

Native North American hardwood valued for both high-quality nuts and timber; northern seed sources selected for earlier ripening and better cold tolerance than standard southern pecan types