How to Identify Pecan Tree Leaves

The pecan tree, a member of the Hickory family, may be recognized by its nuts, a popular food. But you also can identify the tree by its leaves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Note the shape of the long, compound leaves. These leaves contain between 9 and 17 leaflets (small leaves that make up a large leaf). Pecan tree leaves are odd compound leaves, meaning that they always have a leaflet at the tip of the compound leaf. The other leaflets are seen in pairs along the sides of the leaf.

2. Observe the shape of the many leaflets on a pecan tree leaf. Pecan tree leaflets are small and lance-shaped. The leaflets also have tips that are usually curved.

3. Pay attention to the edges of the leaflets. Pecan tree leaflets are faintly toothed along their edges.

4. Note the length of Pecan tree leaves. The leaves are typically 12- to 20-inches long.

5. Understand where Pecan trees grow. Pecan trees grow in the southeastern United States from west Texas to the Atlantic Ocean and from the mid-Great Plains to the Gulf of Mexico.

Tips & Warnings

• The edges of a leaflet are sometimes referred to as the margins.

Resources

• Information on trees from the Arbor Day Foundation.