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Description
Juglans Californica, also known as the California Walnut, is a deciduous tree that is native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. This tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent shade tree for gardens and parks. The leaves of the California Walnut are pinnately compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets that are 2-4 inches long. The tree produces nuts that are edible but are smaller and harder than the English Walnut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Juglans |
Appearance
The California Walnut has a broad spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The bark of the tree is gray-brown and rough. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy appearance. The tree produces catkins in the spring that develop into nuts in the fall. The nuts are small and round, with a hard shell that is difficult to crack.
Care Guide
To care for a California Walnut tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilizer, soil, and sunlight. The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The California Walnut prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Walnut is susceptible to several pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids, mites, and scale insects. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. These can be prevented by providing good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Habitat
The California Walnut is native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, canyons, and stream banks. The tree prefers well-draining soil and is often found growing in rocky or sandy soil.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my California Walnut tree?
A: The tree should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply once a week.
Q: Can the nuts of the California Walnut be eaten?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible but are smaller and harder than the English Walnut.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the California Walnut?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Q: How tall can the California Walnut grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and wide.
Related Plants
- Juglans regia (English Walnut)
- Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)
- Juglans hindsii (Hinds’ Black Walnut)
- Juglans microcarpa (Little Walnut)
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Juglans californica. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Juglans-californica-(California-Walnut)?srchcr=sc5cf4c4cd4a4c1
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (2019, October 9). California Walnut. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/urbanhort/files/272592.pdf
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Juglans californica. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=juca2
