The pecan tree was signed into law as the state tree of Texas in 1919. Legend has it that Texas Governor, James Hogg, was particularly fond of the pecan tree and requested a pecan tree be planted on his grvesite. This inspired the Texas state legislature to adapt the pecan as the official Texas state tree.
Pecan trees are native to Texas and usually grow 70 to 100 feet tall, as shown above, but can grow as tall as 150 feet and higher. The native pecan trees shown are estimated to be over 150 years old with trunks more than three feet in diameter.
Texas is the largest producer of native pecans, and is second only to Georgia in the production of hybrid (orchard grown) varieties. The meats of the pecan are prized in Texas cuisine as well. Pecan pie made with pecans and corn syrup is a customary holiday dessert and is as much a tradition as a Christmas Tree in the living room. Many also make a habit of shelling the nuts and eating them out of hand.
What is the Texas state tree and flower?
The Texas state tree is the Pecan tree and the state flower is the bluebonnets. Both of these state symbols were signed into law in the early 1900’s.