Tree

Papershell Pecan Sapling

Back in Stock Fall 2026

This variety is currently out of stock. We'll be restocking for the Fall 2026 shipping season.

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Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is the largest of the hickories and a native nut tree of the Mississippi River valley and its tributaries, from Iowa, Illinois and Ohio south to Alabama and into Mexico. Papershell pecans are known for thin shells that crack easily.

It does best in full sun with deep, rich, moist but well-drained soil. Pecans grow a deep taproot, so plant yours where it can stay. For good nut crops, plant at least two pecan trees so they can pollinate each other. Pecans are slow to start, and trees grown from seed usually take 8 to 10 years to bear. In the northern part of their range, crops can be light after a late spring or a cool summer.

  • Botanical name: Carya illinoinensis
  • USDA zones: 5 to 9
  • Mature size: 75 to 100 feet tall, 40 to 70 feet wide
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Pollination: Plant two or more for the best nut set

Plant details for this variety are coming soon.

Growing Zones: 5–9

Hardy down to zone 5 (-20 to -10°F)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map of the United States

Match the shaded zones above to find your growing region. Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Find your zone by ZIP code →

We ship via: UPS USPS FedEx

How we ship

Most orders go out via UPS with a 2-3 day transit time to most of the continental U.S. Plants are shipped dormant in late winter / early spring, packed wet to protect the root systems, and bundled by variety so they're ready to plant on arrival.

Hawaii & Alaska orders

For HI and AK addresses we ship via USPS. The other major carriers either don't service these areas for live plants or charge prohibitive rates that would more than double the cost of your order. USPS gives us a reliable, affordable path to get plants to you in good condition.

Want UPS or FedEx anyway?

If you're in HI or AK and want to use UPS or FedEx and cover the upgraded shipping cost, reach out to us immediately after placing your order with your order number. We'll send you the available options and a quote, and you can pick what works for you.

Wholesale orders (100+ plants): We only ship wholesale orders on Mondays and Tuesdays. Larger orders sitting in a hot delivery truck over a weekend can damage or even kill the plants, especially for customers in the southern half of the U.S. Shipping early in the week ensures your plants reach you before any weekend transit delays.

Region overview

Continental U.S.

UPS Ground, 2-3 day transit. Free shipping on orders $100+.

Hawaii & Alaska

USPS Priority Mail. Reach out post-order if you want a UPS/FedEx upgrade quote.

Arrive-alive guarantee

Every order is backed by our 30-day arrive-alive guarantee. If a plant doesn't make it through transit, we'll replace it. Just send us a photo within 30 days of delivery.

Questions?

Call or text us at (720) 630-3715, or email support@fruitbushes.com. We answer within one business day.