Pawnee Pecan

About the Pawnee Pecan Tree

The Pawnee Pecan Tree stands as one of North America’s most favored pecan varieties, highly regarded for its exceptional attributes. This variety is celebrated for bearing large, full-kernel pecans two to three weeks earlier than most other pecan types, making it an early and prolific producer. Its origins can be traced back to Brownwood, Texas, in 1963, with its official introduction occurring in 1984.

What sets the Pawnee Pecan apart is its remarkable heat tolerance, ensuring it thrives even in regions with scorching summers. The nuts mature and ripen in mid to late October, delivering a reliable and consistent harvest. To maintain the quality of this variety, it is commonly grafted, ensuring a dependable yield.

The Pawnee Pecan’s early maturation is one of its most attractive qualities, providing an opportunity for early enjoyment of fresh pecans. Its genetics originate from a cross of ‘Mohawk’ and ‘Starking Hardy Giant’ in Brownwood, TX, in 1963. It has gained wide popularity not only in Western and Northern growing regions but also in the Southeast due to its adaptability to various climates.

How to Grow the Pawnee Pecan Tree

The Pawnee Pecan tree’s early bearing trait is complemented by its ability to produce a heavy yield of pecans. It’s a reliable producer with a heat-tolerant nature. However, it’s essential to note that the Pawnee Pecan requires a pollinator to ensure fruit set. This is because it is a Type I (protandrous) tree, meaning it has early pollen shed but requires a compatible pollinator tree with pistil receptivity.

While the Pawnee Pecan boasts multiple advantages, it is susceptible to pecan scab, a common fungal disease affecting pecan trees. Regular disease management is essential to maintain a healthy and productive tree.

This hardy pecan variety is suitable for growth in the southern half of Zone 5, although it’s crucial to consider that it can be susceptible to damage in ice storms, particularly in areas prone to freezing rain. The shelled nuts from the Pawnee Pecan store well in the freezer, allowing for year-round enjoyment of their delicious flavor. In conclusion, the Pawnee Pecan Tree is a fantastic choice for pecan enthusiasts or orchardists looking to benefit from early and prolific harvests of high-quality pecans.

Protandrous Type I