Walnut

Juglans regia, the common (or English) walnut is a member of the Juglandacaea (walnut) family. It’s native from south-east Europe to south-west China and naturalised in the UK and North America.

This species grows best in a deep, well-drained, alkaline loam, thriving in sunny locations with long summers. It’s deciduous and can grow up to 35m tall, usually with a wide crown and short trunk.

Common walnut leaves resemble feathers (are “pinnate”), growing in pairs with one small leaf at the end. Female flowers manifest in clusters of up to five while male flowers are yellow-green catkins of 5-10cm. The former ripen in autumn, developing a green, walnut-bearing husk.

The nuts and leaves provide food for wildlife and, like the shell, have medicinal properties. Leaves can be used in dyes too.

Because of walnut timber’s durability and sheen, it makes excellent flooring and is often used to make guitars and gun handles.

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