Juglans regia
Other common names
Common Walnut, English Walnut.
Origin of the species name
Juglans is Latin for the species; regia from Latin meaning regal or of kings.
Family
Juglandaceae
Date planted
August 2010
Lifespan
Trees of this species can live about 200 years.
General description
This is a medium-sized deciduous tree that commonly has a short trunk and a crown that is as broad as it is high. The bark is light, ashy grey, with flattened ridges, developing a striking diamond shaped pattern. The leaves are pinnate and the male flowers are catkins. The fruit is a green, semi-fleshy husk and a brown corrugated nut. Height 20m Spread 20m.
Natural distribution and habitat
The species is native to a region stretching from the Balkans eastward to the Himalayas and southwest China where it usually grows at higher altitudes in deciduous forests and tends to occur either in higher rainfall areas or in moister sites in lower rainfall areas.
Conservation status
It is a species that is considered rare. Because of its scattered natural distribution and the limited extension of the individual populations - in many situations only a few trees - it has been included in the European Forest Genetic Resources Program.
Planting pattern
A band of trees, four lines deep, follows the perimeter and small isolated groves occupy the centre.
Uses
It is a very valuable orchard tree for the commercial production of nuts. The nuts are consumed fresh, roasted, or salted and are used in confectioneries, pastries and for flavouring. The leaves have also been used as an insect repellent and a tea. Young fruits have been used as pickles and for fish poison. Walnuts have also been used in an extremely wide range of traditional medicines, from the treating of cancer to worms. The dark brown wood is used for furniture-making, veneers and guitars.