Nogal Morado
Carya illinoinensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carya illinoinensis (Nogal Morado) is a native deciduous tree found across the south-central United States from Texas to Illinois. This pecan tree blooms in April and May, supporting bees and beetles as important pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nogal Morado as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–1200" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AR, IA, IL, IN and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pecan is a large, stately native tree that produces edible nuts and provides excellent shade. It has compound leaves that turn golden yellow in fall and develops a broad, rounded crown with age.
Growing Nogal Morado
Grow Nogal Morado in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 1200 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nogal Morado takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large size (50-100 feet) inappropriate for most residential lots
- Drops nuts and debris that require cleanup
- Can interfere with power lines and structures
Wildlife value
The tree supports bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. Its nuts are valuable food for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Carya illinoinensis naturally found?
- Carya illinoinensis is native to the south-central United States, including Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
- When does Carya illinoinensis bloom?
- Carya illinoinensis blooms during April and May, producing flowers that attract bees and beetles as pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Carya illinoinensis prefer?
- This native tree thrives in full sun conditions and can tolerate a wide range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it adaptable to various landscape situations.
- Is Nogal Morado toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nogal Morado as toxic to livestock.
- Is Nogal Morado HOA-friendly?
- Nogal Morado takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Nogal Morado? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz