Though Pecan trees may not be common in Pennsylvania today, there’s a chance they will start to migrate our way as the climate changes. This is the case for a number of North American trees, and we’ll be profiling a different species each week. Carya illinoinensis is an excellent shade tree that produces an abundance of food in ideal conditions, and a few growers have already reported success growing them in Pennsylvania.
As we look to the future of our forests, we must reconcile that some endemic species may not survive in a warmer climate. Therefore, it's important for us to consider growing and planting unconventional species to fill ecological and cultural niches left empty by species that may die out.
This infographic series was inspired in part by a presentation given by Jehane Samaha at the 2024 Canopy Conference at Haverford College, where she explored tree species that we may see more of in Pennsylvania as the climate warms. Carya illinoinensis, sometimes known as Northern Pecan, is one species that shows promise. For the two range maps, we utilized data from the Community Climate System Model, version 4.0.
To view the second page, mouse over the infographic and click the arrows in the bottom left corner.
Sources:
North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Carya illinoinensis. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carya-illinoinensis/
United States Forest Service. (n.d.). pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Climate Change Atlas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/atlas/tree/404
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