The pecan ( pih-KAN, also US: pih-KAHN, PEE-kan, UK: PEE-kən; Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to the Southern United States and northern Mexico in the region of the Mississippi River. Originally native to the south-central U.S., the tree is cultivated for its seed primarily in the U.S. states of Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and in Mexico. The seed is an edible nut used as a snack and in various recipes, such as praline candy and pecan pie. The pecan is the state nut of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Texas, and Louisiana, and is also the state tree of Texas.

Closest relatives