pecan

Also known as Pecan Hickory, Illinois Nut

Pecan trees dominate bottomland river valleys across North America, growing into massive canopy giants with deeply furrowed grey bark. Wind-borne pollen showers from slender green catkins each spring, fertilizing female flowers perched at the tips of young branches. Blue jays, squirrels, and wild turkeys rely on the heavy autumn nut drop for winter survival, acting as primary seed dispersal agents across river basins.