Welcome to Pecan Terminology 101: Pecan Tree and Growth Terms

Are you ready? Because class is in session! It’s time for Pecan Terminology 101, where you’ll learn more about the words and terms that make up everything pecan, pecan tree, and pecan farming. By the time you’re done with today’s article, you’ll be a pecan trivia master. So, without further delay, let’s start with where pecans begin their life, on the tree.

What is a Pecan Tree?

Pecan trees – scientifically known as Carya illinoinensis – are a type of hickory tree. They belong to the genus Carya, which also includes other hickory species such as shagbark hickory, mockernut hickory, and bitternut hickory. Pecan trees are native to North America and are widely grown for their, dare we say, delightful nuts. And out of all the hickory trees in existence, only Carya illinoinensis and Carya palida produce edible nuts. Pecan trees are special.

Now that we are familiar with the tree, let’s discuss the type of nut on that tree. When farmers talk about pecans and pecan trees, there is a specific term they use to explain what type of pecan and/or pecan tree they are referring to. And that term is cultivar.

What is a Cultivar?

In pecan farming, a cultivar refers to a cultivated variety of pecan tree that has been specifically developed for its desirable characteristics. A cultivar is a term used to describe a plant variety that has been selected and bred for specific traits, such as yield, disease resistance, nut size, nut quality, or growth habit.

Pecan cultivars are developed through selective breeding or hybridization, and they are propagated through asexual reproduction, such as grafting or budding. Each pecan cultivar has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other cultivars, such as nut shape, shell thickness, and kernel quality. Some common pecan cultivars grown in the United States include Western Schley and Wichita varieties, both of which are perfect cultivars for Arizona.

Pecan cultivars are an important part of pecan farming, as they allow growers to select trees that are well-suited to their specific growing conditions and market demands. By choosing the right cultivar, growers can improve their yields, increase the quality of their nuts, and reduce their risk of disease or pest problems. Here at Delightful Pecans, we make proper cultivar selection a priority. Our mission is to deliver only the best possible pecans on the planet!

Now, let’s look at some other pecan farming terminology. We’ll make a bet that outside of the clothing store, you probably have never heard of “stick tights.” And hey, you probably have never heard of them there, either!

What are Stick Tights?

In pecan terminology, "stick tights" is a common name for a type of burr or seedpod that is produced by some pecan trees. Stick tights are small, round burrs that are covered with spines or tiny hooks. These burrs can attach themselves to clothing, skin, or fur, making them difficult to remove.

Stick tights are formed on the female flowers of some pecan trees, which are pollinated by the male flowers of other trees. Pecan romance! How cute. After pollination, the female flower then develops into a small, round burr that contains a single nut. The burr is covered with spines or hooks that help it stick to passing animals, which can help to disperse the nuts and aid in their propagation. The burr helps pecan seeds spread far and wide!

While stick tights can be a nuisance for people or animals that encounter them, they are an important part of the pecan tree's reproductive cycle. Some pecan cultivars produce stick tights more than others, so growers may choose to plant cultivars that are less prone to producing them. Additionally, protective clothing can be worn to reduce the risk of encountering stick tights while working with pecan trees.

So, what’s next on the pecan terminology checklist? Well, when it comes to pecans you don’t have daybreaks, you have budbreaks.

What Does Budbreak Mean?

Budbreak is the period in the spring when the buds on a pecan tree begin to open and new growth emerges. This is an important stage in the tree's annual growth cycle, as it marks the beginning of the active growing season. Pecan farmers like us here at Delightful Pecans get particularly excited around budbreaks.

Consider the pecan tree season cycle. During the winter months, pecan trees are dormant, with no new growth occurring. As temperatures warm up in the spring, the trees begin to come out of dormancy, and the buds on the branches start to swell. Eventually, the buds will break open, revealing new shoots and leaves. The heralding of Spring is a good thing for more than just summer lovers. It’s also when pecan trees shine! Budbreak is a critical time for pecan trees, as it sets the stage for the rest of the growing season. A fruitful budbreak in our orchards gets us excited for what’s to come.

Pecan farmers must pay very close attention to budbreak. Why? Because trees that experience late or incomplete budbreak may have reduced yields or may be more susceptible to disease or insect damage. Conversely, trees that experience early and vigorous budbreak may have a better chance of producing a healthy crop of nuts. In the end, budbreak is something we pay very close attention to.

We’ve talked a lot about spring, and for good reason. The timing of budbreak can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, tree age, and variety. In general, however, budbreak for pecan trees typically occurs in the early to mid-spring, with most trees breaking bud sometime between mid-March and mid-April. While we humans enjoy spring break, our pecan trees will be enjoying budbreak!

What is a Husk?

The husk refers to the outer covering that surrounds the nut of the pecan. The husk is the outermost layer of the pecan, and it is typically removed before the nut is eaten or processed. The husk is usually green when the pecan is young and then turns brown as the nut matures. It is a protective layer that helps to keep the nut safe from pests, diseases, and other environmental factors.

When harvesting pecans, the husk is removed to reveal the hard, outer shell of the nut, which must also be cracked open to access the edible nutmeat inside. The husk can be removed by hand, or with the use of specialized equipment, such as a pecan sheller. Pecan husks can also be used in everything from composting to producing energy. How cool is that?

Now that we are talking about the husks, it’s time to get into how to remove them. Did you know there is an actual word that refers to “removing the shell of a nut”? Yup, that’s right, you know there is a word for everything nowadays. So, what is it?

What Does it Mean to Shuck a Pecan?

To shuck a pecan means to remove its outer husk or shell. Pecans have a hard, outer shell that surrounds the nutmeat inside. It ain’t easy to get into a pecan, but with a proper shuck, you’ll gain access to this delicious nut. The shell is covered by a thin, brown, papery layer called the shuck. So, the shuck is both a thing and a process. Fascinating, right?

To shuck a pecan, you typically begin by harvesting the nuts when they are mature, which is usually in the fall. You can then remove the shuck from the nut by cracking it open or by peeling it off with your hands or a tool. Once the shuck is removed, the hard, outer shell of the pecan can be cracked open to reveal the edible nutmeat inside.

Shucking pecans can be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary if you want to enjoy the tasty pecans inside! We promise it’s worth it. Wow, what a run through all our favorite pecan terms and terminology. We hope you’ve learned enough pecan lore to become a master of pecans. Now go eat some pecans and enjoy!