Carya illinoinensis, Pecans

The light green husk just drew me in, it was a lovely shade of a spring green. Every morning I see this majestic tree on our walks in the neighborhood. I’ve observed it through the Texas seasons (hot, hotter and mild cold) and finally had space in my schedule for a composition.

The shape of its leaves are pinnately-compound and it creates a billowy ripple through the tree. The nut is encased in a thin husk that cracks open at maturity.

Having a garden I wondered how this tree became a staple in a cottage garden or farms. The Native Americans used wild pecans in the 1500s. Spanish colonists planted orchards about 1600ish. Around 1775, settlers along the gulf coast were planting pecan trees in their gardens. The industry of pecans was cultivated in the late 1700s by French colonists who realized the economic impact of exporting the nut.

I love pecans and have several recipes, with my favorite being a pecan sandie with a dollop of chocolate icing. I grew up with my sweet granny making mini pecan pies the size of, one bite, dessert at Christmas time.