Carya illinoinensis Shoshoni - Pecan Tree

Carya illinoinensis Shoshoni is a variety of Pecan tree that reaches maturity quite quickly (after about 4 years). It is a medium-sized, hardy tree, but it requires warm and long summers to bear fruit. That's why it is preferable to plant it in mild climates, even though it is tolerant of cold temperatures elsewhere. This highly productive variety produces pecan nuts starting from October. It is best planted in spring, in neutral to slightly acidic and moist, even damp soil. This variety is partially self-fertile and its yield can vary from year to year.

Originally from North America, Carya illinoinensis is a large tree, with the typical species reaching heights of 20 to 40 metres (66 to 131 feet) and diameters of 10 metres (33 feet) or more. It belongs to the Juglandaceae family, like the Walnut tree. Its deciduous leaves are elongated, composed of 11 to 13 leaflets. Green in colour, they turn a beautiful golden hue in autumn. Male flowers appear from late March in the form of long yellow spikes. They are followed by the emergence of young shoots and then discreet female flowers. Although both male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, their flowering periods are different.

Carya illinoinensis Shoshoni forms a medium-sized tree, reaching a height of 15 metres (49 feet), or even 20 metres (66 feet), with a width of 10 to 15 metres (33 to 49 feet). This variety appeared on the market in the United States in 1972. It matures relatively quickly (generally 4 years) and bears fruit from early October. It is highly resistant to diseases and insects, and is very productive. Its only drawback is that it tends to alternate (biennial bearing), meaning that years with a large harvest are often followed by a year with a smaller harvest. As a group B pecan tree, it is partially self-fertile and can therefore produce fruit on its own. However, cross-pollination between two trees will enhance fruiting. In this case, it is recommended to plant another tree from group A (at a distance of 15 to 50 metres (49 to 164 feet) from 'Shoshoni'), such as the varieties 'Cape Fear', 'Cherokee', 'Cheyenne', 'Desirable', 'Pawnee', or 'Western Schley'.

The fruit of the Pecan tree is a drupe, with a fleshy green outer shell. This shell, called a husk, opens at maturity, revealing a shell containing the pecan nut. Harvesting takes place from late summer through autumn. The pecan nut, with a taste similar to a walnut, has a smoother kernel. The shells can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Pecan nuts can be eaten on their own or used in baking.

This Pecan tree is suitable for larger gardens, especially if a second tree is added for cross-pollination. Additionally, it prefers cool temperatures and regular watering, so an ample water supply is necessary, which is not always the case in hotter regions. In southern areas it can be added to an irrigated orchard consisting of fig trees, citrus trees, jujube trees, and other species that bear fruit in warm climates.