The history of 'Stuart' is itself a minor piece of American horticultural folklore. J. R. Lassabe planted the original seed in 1874 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The property passed to Captain E. Castanera, who called it 'Castanera'. Colonel Stuart propagated it and offered it commercially in 1892 under his own name. Whatever the politics of nomenclature, the tree that resulted has proven itself over 150 years of cultivation in the southeastern United States. Growing 80 to 100 feet tall and 40 to 75 feet wide, it demands space proportional to its reputation.

Full sun and well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 give 'Stuart' its best expression. Unlike some cultivars, it needs less pruning to maintain good structure, though irrigation during dry spells matters for consistent nut production. The medium-thick-shelled fruits are harvested mid-October, the kernels plump and firm-textured with a rich, characteristic flavor that made this cultivar commercially important before the era of modern breeding. Medium scab resistance means it performs well in most seasons without being the most disease-resilient option available. As a Type II pecan, it requires a Type I partner — 'Desirable', 'Cape Fear', and 'Mandan' are proven companions.