English Walnut

Description

Juglans regia (Common/English Walnut) – Tree Notes

Identification:
• Leaves: Pinnate (feather-like), with 5–9 large, oval leaflets per leaf; aromatic when crushed
• Bark: Pale grey, becoming deeply ridged with age
• Growth habit: Upright and spreading canopy as it matures
• Fruit (not yet visible): Round green husk encasing a hard-shelled walnut

Growth & Conditions:
• Height: Can reach 15–35m at maturity
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast
• Sunlight: Full sun required for good nut production
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, loamy soils preferred; pH neutral to alkaline

Maintenance:
• Pruning: Best done in summer (July–August) to avoid bleeding sap
• Feeding: Avoid high nitrogen – this can reduce nut production
• Spacing: Needs room to grow; avoid planting close to buildings or other trees

Notes on Cultivation:
• Begins producing nuts after 5–10 years, depending on variety and rootstock
• Some juglone production in roots may inhibit nearby plants (e.g. tomatoes, apples, some flowers)
• Highly valued for both nuts and timber

Potential Issues:
• Pests/Disease: Aphids, walnut leaf blotch, codling moth
• Late frost damage: Especially to spring growth or catkins
• Squirrel damage: Common in UK gardens