The pecan, largest of the hickory trees, is a hardwood tree primarily found in the central and southern United States and is the state tree of Texas. The trunk reaches heights of 175 feet with diameters of 12 feet, but most cultivated specimens are much smaller. The sapwood is white to pale brown, while the heartwood is light brown, sometimes with a reddish tinge and very hard, stiff, and resilient. The hickories provide the toughest, strongest wood in common use. Pecan is a trifle deeper in color, and not quite as dense as other hickories.

Pecan wood is used for fine funiture, flooring, wooden ware, and novelties. Other uses are for special products requiring a strong, tough, elastic wood.