English walnut (Juglans regia )

First place champion English walnut (removed) in Grand Junction.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, pinnately compound with 5–9 bright green, shiny leaflets. Each leaflet is 2–5 inches long, oval to elliptic, and smooth-edged with a pointed tip.

Leaflets: 5–9 per leaf, typically 7 on mature trees.

Leaf Surface: Glossy green above, lighter green beneath.

Bark: Gray and slightly furrowed on mature trunks; becomes more textured and darkens with age.

Twigs: Light brown, smooth, and stout; leaf scars are large and rounded.

Flowers: Male and female flowers appear on the same tree as leaves unfold in spring. Male flowers form drooping catkins; female flowers are small and terminal.

Fruit: Round to oval edible nuts enclosed in a green husk that splits open at maturity. Nuts typically ripen in fall and may appear as early as five years after planting.

Botanical: Juglans regia

Family: Fagaceae

Mature Height: 40–60 feet

Canopy Spread: 40–60 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Rounded to oval crown

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under favorable conditions

Flower: Inconspicuous

Fruit: Edible nut

Fall Color: Yellow-green

Water Use: Moderate; prefers deep, consistent watering

Hardiness: Zones 4–9

Soil Preference: Deep, fertile, well-drained loam; intolerant of poorly drained or compacted soils

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Wildlife Value: Provides food for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife; nuts are edible for humans as well

Pests/Pathogens: Susceptible to Thousand Cankers Disease; may occasionally experience aphids

Planting Recommendations:

Information Sources:

• Michael A. Dirrs. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press. 2011.