The pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is a species of hickory tree native to North America, primarily the Mississippi River valley and parts of Mexico. This nut is one of the continent’s most valuable cultivated crops, prized for its buttery flavor and high oil content. The question of how many varieties of pecans exist is complex because the term “variety” is used to describe distinct categories of trees. Pecan diversity ranges from wild-growing native trees to meticulously bred and grafted selections, resulting in a vast and complex array of characteristics.
The Challenge of Quantifying Pecan Varieties
The true number of pecan types depends entirely on whether one considers wild-growing trees or commercially cultivated selections. Pecans are genetically diverse, and trees grown from seed will not produce nuts identical to the parent tree. For this reason, there are likely hundreds, or even thousands, of distinct native pecan trees growing along riverbanks and bottomlands in the species’ natural range.
A “cultivar” (cultivated variety) refers to a plant group selected and maintained for desirable traits. Cultivars are propagated clonally, typically through grafting, ensuring the new tree produces nuts identical to the source tree. Over 500 named pecan cultivars exist today, each with unique characteristics like nut size, shell thickness, and disease resistance. However, only a small fraction of these are grown commercially. The industry relies on perhaps 10 to 15 varieties that offer consistent yield, kernel quality, and ease of harvest, meaning consumers encounter far fewer types than the total number named.
Categorizing Varieties by Harvest Time and Shell Thickness
Pecan varieties are grouped based on characteristics relevant to growing and processing, specifically the timing of nut maturity and the physical shell properties. Harvest time is divided into early-maturing, mid-season, and late-maturing varieties. This is important for growers, especially in northern regions, to avoid early frost damage. Early-season cultivars offer a market advantage as the first nuts of the season.
Shell characteristics determine how the nut is processed and marketed, primarily distinguishing between hard-shell and thin-shell types. Native pecans often have thicker, harder shells and smaller kernels, making them more difficult to crack. Cultivated varieties are frequently bred to be “paper shell” pecans. These feature thin shells and a high percentage of kernel weight relative to the total nut weight.
Nut size is measured by the number of nuts required to make a pound. Large pecans may number 55 or fewer nuts per pound, while smaller varieties can exceed 70 nuts per pound. Thin-shell, larger pecans are favored by consumers for snacking. Hard-shell varieties are often used in commercial shelling operations.
Profiles of Major Commercial Cultivars
The commercial pecan market is dominated by a few established cultivars, each offering a specific combination of traits for growers and consumers.
The ‘Pawnee’ cultivar is known for its exceptionally early maturity, often being one of the first varieties harvested in the fall. It produces a medium to large nut with a high-quality, light-colored kernel and a rich, buttery flavor. This makes it highly desirable for the gift-pack trade. ‘Pawnee’ is a popular choice for growers in both Western and Southeastern regions due to its productivity, but it is susceptible to the fungal disease pecan scab.
The ‘Stuart’ is one of the oldest and most widely planted cultivars in the southeastern United States. It is recognized for its strong tree structure and relative low maintenance. This variety produces a good-sized nut with a classic, sweet, and nutty flavor. However, it has a thicker shell, and the tree takes longer to reach bearing age than newer selections.
The ‘Elliott’ pecan is a smaller, teardrop-shaped nut with a medium-thick shell. It is distinguished by its outstanding kernel quality and rich, buttery flavor with a hint of hickory. It is highly valued for gourmet applications like pecan pies and candies. The ‘Elliott’ tree is highly resistant to pecan scab, making it a reliable choice in humid climates.
The ‘Desirable’ cultivar is known for its symmetrical, medium-large size and soft shell, which makes it easy to crack. It was a leading choice for new orchards until recently. However, its susceptibility to scab disease requires intensive management with fungicide applications. The ‘Western Schley’ is prominent in the western growing regions. It is prized for its small, oblong shape, thin shell, and buttery kernel, making it ideal for commercial shelling and use in confectionary items.