Leaf Identification
The leaves are pinnately compound and alternately arranged on the stem. There are 7-17 leaflets per leaf, each between 2″ and 8″ long, with the largest leaflets halfway up the leaf.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig turns from a light green color to a light gray-tan as it matures, with vertical white lenticels (pores) remaining. The terminal bud is covered in fine orange-brown hairs; it is obovate with a acuminate (tapering) tip.
Bark Identification
The bark is gray-brown with flaky scales and slight ridges.
Fruit Identification
The Pecan fruit is ovoid and green when immature, with the fruit dehiscing along the four ridged seams when brown and mature to release a singular hard-shelled nut. Inside this mottled brown shell is the edible pecan familiar to human palates.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Pecan are dioecious but inconspicuous. The male flowers are hanging green catkins (long, slender clusters of flowers), and the female flowers are also green and located in small clusters near to the branch.