English Walnut
Juglans regia · Deciduous Broadleaf Nut Tree (Hardwood)
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut, Shade, and Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Common Walnut)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Sensitive to late spring frosts which can damage new growth and flowers.
About This Tree
A large, spreading tree with a rounded or dome-shaped crown. Known for its edible nuts and high-quality timber. It features a sturdy main trunk with massive, rugged horizontal branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, 25-40 cm long with 5-9 leaflets. Leaflets are elliptical to obovate, smooth-margined (entire), and arranged alternately on the stem. They have a distinct citrus-like scent when crushed.
Bark Characteristics
Light grey to silvery-grey. Young bark is smooth, while mature bark (as seen) becomes deeply fissured with interlacing ridges and dark furrows.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central Asia and the Balkans; widely adapted throughout Europe and North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (April/May), flowers in May/June, fruits ripen in September/October, enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is essential for nut production. Prefers deep, well-drained, moist loamy soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Mature height of 40-60 feet with a similar or wider spread. Moderate growth rate with a lifespan of 150+ years.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible walnuts. Highly valued 'Circassian walnut' wood for furniture and gunstocks. Produces juglone, a chemical that can inhibit the growth of certain nearby plants (allelopathy).
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides a significant food source for squirrels and other rodents. Supports various moth larvae. Offers excellent nesting sites for large birds due to its sturdy branching structure.