Accession Count: 10
Common Name:
Arizona Walnut
Family Name:
Juglandaceae
Botanical Name:
Juglans major
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Arizona walnut is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can grow to about 50 feet. Its mature bark is a light to medium grey and new bark is a reddish brown. (1) Its pinnate compound leaves range from 15-30 cm long and have 4-8 pairs of leaflets along its midrib with one leaflet at the end. (1,3,4) the leaflets are 6-10 cm long and 1.5 to 3.4 cm wide and are finely toothed. (3) It produces a green drupe like fruit 2.3-3cm in diameter that contains an edible seed. (2,3)The walnut seeds are about 25 to 40 millimeters in diameter. (2)
Compound:
Jug maj
Geographic Origin:
Mountain Southwest
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Arizona Walnut is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Norther Mexico. (6) It is the only walnut found in the desert. (4)
Cultivation Notes:
Grows best in well-drained, slightly alkaline, loamy soil. (1,2) Young plants are fast growing. (2) Temperatures of 28 degrees F and below can kill new growth. (2) This plant is best propagated from seed. It germinates in late winter to early spring but may need a cold, moist stratification period of 60-120 days at 34-41 degrees F. (1,2) This plant is self-fertile. (2)
Ethnobotany:
Despite its incredibly hard husk and shell, this tree served as valued food source for many of the native people living within its range. (5) The seeds are used for dyes and oils. (2,5) A toxin found in leaves can also be used as an herbicide. (2)
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Green
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
