Long-Term Nut Tree for Wildlife, Orchards, and Habitat Improvement Our seed-grown wild pecan seedlings are a strong choice for landowners establishing wildlife habitat, naturalized orchards and long-term nut-producing trees. Mature pecans can provide valuable food for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife while adding lasting value to farms, homesteads and habitat plantings. These seedlings are grown from wild pecan seed purchased from Sheffield’s Seed Company and raised in air-pruning nursery beds at White Oak Orchard in South Carolina. Because they are seed-grown rather than grafted, individual growth habits, nut characteristics and production times will vary. Our air-pruning growing method encourages a dense, fibrous root system rather than circling roots, helping prepare each seedling for successful establishment and long-term growth after planting. Why Plant Pecan? Wild pecan provides valuable benefits for wildlife and long-term land improvement: Nut-producing tree for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife Excellent addition to naturalized orchards and larger habitat plantings Long-long-term shade, property and potential timber value Native tree suited to farms, homesteads and reforestation projects Seed-grown genetic diversity for less uniform, naturalized plantings Best Planting Sites Wild pecan performs best in full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Suitable locations include naturalized orchards, field edges, well-drained bottomland sites and larger wildlife plantings. Avoid tight shade, persistently waterlogged soil and locations without adequate room for the mature canopy. Pecans grow into large trees, so plant them away from buildings, overhead utilities and other permanent obstructions. Protect young seedlings from deer browse and control competing vegetation during establishment. Pollination and Nut Production Pecan trees require compatible pollen from another pecan tree for dependable nut production. Because these seedlings are seed-grown, their pollination type and future nut characteristics are unknown. Plant several seedlings—or plant near other mature pecan trees—to improve the likelihood of compatible cross-pollination. Nut quality, size and production time will vary. Wildlife Value Mature pecan trees can provide a valuable fall food source for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife. Their large canopy also contributes shade, cover and structural diversity to long-term habitat plantings. Product Details Product Feature Details Species Wild Pecan Scientific Name Carya illinoinensis Type Dormant bare-root seedling Height at Shipping Approximately 18–36 inches Age 2 growing seasons USDA Zones 6-9 Current Shipping Zones Zones 6–9 Sunlight Full sun Soil Deep, fertile, well-drained soil Pollination Plant several seedlings or near other pecan trees Wildlife Use Nuts for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife Best Uses Wildlife habitat, naturalized orchards, field edges and long-term land improvement Recommended Protection 5-foot tree tube, stake and weed mat