 |
| A blindingly hot summer day poignantly reminds us of the presence and indisputable value of a mature tree. Our tree of the week, the native pecan, is one such specimen. It's pictured in the photo above, working in concert with other native gems to offer a reprieve, however brief, from those intense midday rays. In our previous post, we talked about its known history, growing conditions, bark and fruit. This week, we are recording specifics about those shade-providing leaves. |
 |
| Our native pecan (Carya illinoinensis) has a favorable reputation as a shade tree. It's handsome and a hardy native with large leaves that provide significant shade. However, in the fall, invectives against the tree might be hurled when these big leaves begin to pile up on the lawn. |
 |
| A few leaves were snipped for inspection. Theys are long, each measuring approximately two feet in length, including the petiole. |
 |
| Native pecan leaves are pinnately compound. Each leaf is composed of an odd number of dark green lanceolate-shaped leaflets. The leaf under examination possesses 15 leaflets, which vary in size. This leaflet measures 6 inches in length. |
 |
| Another leaflet measures 7 inches in length. |
 |
| Leaflets have pointed tips and serrated margins. |
 |
| Underneath, leaflets are pale green. |
 |
| Leaflets have an asymmetrical shape. |
 |
| Native pecan petioles are long and feel fuzzy. |
 |
| While still attached to the tree, petioles alternate along the twig. |
 |
| Twigs are fuzzy, too. |
You can find additional information about this particular native pecan here.
