PECAN TREE

Native: Georgia

Family: juglandaceae

In 1900, several types of pecans were prominent in Georgia, which is known for is pecan prodution. By 1910 southwest Georgia landowners began planting thousands of acres of pecans. This time became known as the "pecan boom".

The history of pecans can be traced back to the 16th century. The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered one of the most valuable North American nut species. The name “pecan” is a Native American word of origin that was used to describe “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.”

 Common Varieties at that time period:

  • Stuart: A widely grown variety known for its large nuts a good quality.

  • Desirable: Valued for its high yield and excellent flavor, it became popular in the early 20th century. They can get so big that they're also called a “mammoth” pecan.

  • Schley: Recognized for its thin shell and good kernel quality it was also a favored choice among growers.

 The Pecan was officially designated as the state nut of Georgia in 2019.

Although pecans are highly favored in Georgia today, Georgia farmers were relatively hesitant in accepting the benefits of this nut at first. It wasn't until the late 1800s that several individual Georgia landowners began producing and marketing pecans on a small scale. In Savannah, there was about ninety-seven total acres by 1889. By 1910 southwest Georgia landowners began planting thousands of acres of pecans. This time became known as the "pecan boom". 

Stuart is perhaps the most well known pecan in the world and remains instrumental in the Georgia pecan industry. Stuart produces a large nut

Desirable is a well-known cultivar and sets the standard for nut quality. This is one of the primary cultivars grown in Georgia. The large, well-filled nuts produce excellent plump kernels known to shell out well and producing many mammoth halves.

Schley Pecans: The "Eastern" Schley is a medium sized nut with a thin shell and excellent quality.

Pecan Tree Circa 1850 - Mount Vernon, This tall old pecan tree is thought by historians to be one of the pecans given to Washington by Thomas Jefferson.