Carya illinoinensis 'Pawnee'( AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBE SERIES)

Pawnee Pecan

An early-ripening pecan tree cultivar prized for its large, high-quality nuts with excellent flavor and a high kernel percentage. ‘Pawnee’ is known for precocious bearing, good productivity, and earlier harvest compared to many pecans, making it well-suited to regions with shorter growing seasons. Glossy green foliage provides handsome shade, with clear yellow fall color.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous nut tree



Form: Upright to spreading, broad canopy



Mature Width: 40–60 ft



Mature Height: 60–80 ft



Flower Color: Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins



Foliage Color: Medium green; yellow fall color



Nut: Large pecan with thin shell and excellent kernel quality




Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: 6a–9b



Light: Full sun



Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soils; performs best in loams



Water: Moderate to high; consistent moisture needed for nut production



Maintenance: Moderate; benefits from pruning, fertilization, and pest management




Pollination
Type I (protandrous) — requires a compatible Type II pecan for cross-pollination (such as ‘Kanza’, ‘Lakota’, or ‘Stuart’).


Landscape Uses
Nut orchards, large residential properties, farms, and edible landscapes where space allows. Also valued as a shade tree with productive yield.


Care Tips


Plant with a compatible pollinator nearby for best nut set



Provide deep, regular irrigation during nut fill



Prune in winter to maintain structure and airflow

Plant type

Nut Tree

Height

60-80'

Width

40-60'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Nuts

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No