How to Identify Pecan Tree Leaves

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(4 Ratings)

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

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 3

Pay attention to the edges of the leaflets. Pecan tree leaflets are faintly toothed along their edges.
Step 4

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