Types of Pecan Trees

There are over 500 pecan tree varieties growing throughout the world, but there are a handful that are the most common. Pecan trees need very moist soil in order to survive and produce their nuts, so within the United States, many grow in coastal or humid regions.

Stuart Pecan Trees

This type of pecan tree grows primarily in the southeastern parts of the United States and other parts of the world. It takes about 10 years for them to produce pecans. These trees are sturdy, and the pecan nuts have thick shells with shapes that vary from oval to oblong. They are able to cross-pollinate with other trees.

Cape Fear Pecans

These pecan trees are indigenous to the North Carolina area of the same name--Cape Fear. They grow large and upright with deep roots, and the pecan nuts have thick shells and are shaped like ovals.

Desirable Pecan Trees

This type of pecan tree is native to Mississippi, Florida and Georgia. The nuts do not take long to produce, and they have thick bumpy shells that are quite large. They produce a large volume of pecan nuts during a lifetime and are good at pollinating with other pecan trees.

Moreland Pecan Trees

This type began in Louisiana and flourishes in dense concentration, producing canopies and shade. The pecans are smaller with oblong-shaped shells, and the shells are fragile enough to be cracked without any tools.