Latin name: Carya illinoenis, Carya aquatica

Origin: SE United States and Mexico

Characteristics: Pecan is the sister to hickory but is far more inconsistent. Logs generally have equal amount of sap and heartwood and a wilder more inconsistent grain pattern. It is a very hard wood.  It has a number of different character marks making it somewhat rustic or “pecky”. Trees often grow on river banks or shallow islands and pick up a lot of sediment making slicing very difficult. Knife scratches are very common as is checking in the heart.

Use: Architectural woodwork and furniture.