Pecan

Pecan experts say that there is no such thing as a hickory pecan.  They do say that this is a Carya  illinoinensis, however.

The experts say that these look like seedling pecans, not a selected variety. They should be sweet and flavorful...if we can get to them before the squirrels do.

In the spring, the catkins emerge. The pecan nuts were last years collected from the ground.

The 1893 Illustrated Album of Alameda County says of the pecans that "there is a very fine avenue of trees fifty to seventy-five feet high, though only fifteen years old."

These are probably these trees. That would make them planted in 1878, about the time that the label says!

Notice that from the front porch, you can see straight down the pecan allée. 

What's an "allée, " you might ask. Per one source "The French term 'allée' is used in many parts of Europe when referring to tree-lined 'ways of passage' in parks and gardens, in towns or in the country."

Check out this beautiful painting by Sisley of a Chestnut Allée in France.