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Growing on the High Plains: Pecan Trees

We've been keeping warm these past few weeks of winter by leafing through the various state trees of our High Plains region. Today's Growing on the High Plains take a peek at the mighty pecan tree, a beloved fixture of my Oklahoma childhood and a prominent producer of nut crops in Texas. While the name "pecan" has a handful of regional pronunciations, the shells also come in both hard and soft-shell varieties. But whether you have a nostalgic connection to these prized nuts, or if you just relish the many baked goods that boast their bounty, the pecan tree remains a sturdy symbol of how hard work yields tasty rewards.

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.