Major Pecan Tree

Major Pecan carries a Kentucky heritage and a reputation for flavor that places it among the finest-tasting pecans available. Originating near the mouth of the Green River in Henderson County, Kentucky, this cold-hardy variety (sometimes called ‘Major Hardy’) has proven itself a consistent producer even in northern growing regions — thriving in Zones 5–9 and delivering crops of up to 100 pounds from established trees. Cream to golden kernels with rich oil content, broad and shallow dorsal grooves, and an easy-to-crack medium shell deliver a sweetness and butteriness that pecan enthusiasts consistently rank as exceptional. Scab resistant and an outstanding Type I pollinator for Kanza, Lakota, and other key varieties. Type I pollinator.

One of the Finest-Flavored Pecans Available

Major’s flavor reputation is its defining quality. The cream to golden kernels have a rich oil content that delivers deep, buttery sweetness with a complexity and quality that distinguishes it from varieties bred primarily for yield or disease resistance. The broad, shallow dorsal grooves make the nuts easy to crack cleanly, and the medium size is well-proportioned for both fresh eating and baking.

Kentucky Heritage — Cold Hardy to Zone 5

Major’s origin near the Green River’s mouth in Henderson County, Kentucky, explains its exceptional cold hardiness for a pecan variety. Where most Southern pecans struggle at the northern edge of their zone range, Major performs reliably in Zone 5 and other challenging northern growing regions — earning its ‘Major Hardy’ nickname through decades of consistent production in climates that test other varieties.

Scab Resistant and an Exceptional Type I Pollinator

Major’s scab resistance reduces disease management demands and supports consistent nut quality across varied seasonal conditions. And as a Type I pollen shedder, it’s an outstanding pollinator for Kanza, Lakota, Oswego, and other Type II varieties — making it a practical dual-purpose planting choice for orchardists who want a productive variety that also improves the performance of the trees around it.

Why Growers Choose Major

• One of the finest-flavored pecans — rich oil content, creamy-golden kernels, exceptional sweetness
• Kentucky Green River origin — cold hardy to Zone 5, proven in northern growing regions
• Scab resistant — consistent quality with reduced disease management
• Outstanding Type I pollinator — improves yields of Kanza, Lakota, and other Type II companions
• Up to 100 lbs per established tree — consistently heavy annual production
• Easy-to-crack medium shells — accessible harvest for home growers

Protandrous Type I