Native Pecan – The Native Hardy Pecan tree, Carya Illinoinensis, is a beautiful, majestic tree that grows to a height of 70 to 100 feet with a spread of 40 to 75 feet. The tree has low wide-spreading branches. It provides a lot of sweet edible fruits and lots of summer shade after reaching maturity. Hardy Pecan trees have moderate water requirements and they have a moderate tolerance to salt and alkaline soils. This deciduous, hardy, shade/pecan tree is ideal for lawns because it does not shed its leaves until late fall and it is practically immune to the attack of insects. It is a late bearer of pecans right around 10-12 years after initial planting will it start to produce nuts.