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Walnut

Juglans regia

Walnuts grow on tall trees with big leaves. They have hard shells that protect the tasty nuts inside. Squirrels love to eat walnuts too!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Walnut is a large deciduous tree with deeply furrowed, grey-brown bark that becomes increasingly rugged with age. Its broad, rounded crown is formed by large, pinnate leaves, and it produces distinctive spherical green fruits that house the edible, wrinkled nut inside.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyJuglandaceaeGenusJuglans

Walnut

Interesting facts

Ancient Romans called walnuts "Jupiter's Royal Acorn" because they thought they were food for gods.

The green outer husk of walnuts was traditionally used to dye hair and fabrics a rich brown color.

Walnut wood is prized by car makers for dashboards and furniture because it's so strong and beautiful.

Walnuts are one of the oldest tree foods, enjoyed by humans for over 10,000 years!

Special abilities

Walnut has a super-hard outer shell that helps protect its delicious kernel from hungry animals and pests.

Walnut has a long taproot that helps it find water deep underground during dry periods to stay hydrated.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-35 m
Canopy Spread: 15-20 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 100-200 cm
Lifespan: 150-250 years
Fruit Type: Drupe
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eats

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Squirrels bury and eat walnut nuts.

eats

Codling Moth

Cydia pomonella

Its larvae tunnel into and damage walnuts.

depends on

Walnut Husk Fly

Rhagoletis completa

Its larvae feed inside the green husk of walnuts.

eats

Dusky Sap Beetle

Carpophilus lugubris

Beetles feed on decaying walnut husks and nuts.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Broadleaf Tree

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Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Nut Bearing

Discover wonderful plants that grow delicious, nutritious nuts, providing tasty snacks for both humans and wildlife.

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Timber

Discover how people use wood from trees to build amazing things, from houses to furniture! It's an important natural resource that helps us every day.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!