Pecan Is Actually a Hickory

The Pecan tree is Carya illinoinensis, placing it in the same genus as Shagbark, Mockernut and other Hickories. Its wood is consequently marketed within the Pecan-Hickory group and shares Hickory’s prominent growth-ring structure.

Surprising takeaway: The tree famous for pecan pie is botanically a Hickory. Pecan and true-Hickory woods can look similar enough that commercial lumber is frequently grouped rather than separated by individual species.