The Walnut tree is not actually native to the British Isles, however it has been commonly planted and it is now frequently found throughout Britain.
Its natural range is in fact south Europe and across much of China but it has been planted in many different countries so it is now found in many diverse locations.
This tree usually prefers warm, dry soil and doesn’t cope well with frost or soils with a very high clay content.
The Walnut tree is commonly known simply as the Walnut and its Latin name is Juglans Regia. It is part of the Walnut, or Juglandaceae, family.
The Greek names for the tree are Persicon and Basilicon, which mean ‘Persian’ and ‘Royal’ respectively. This reflects the high esteem in which the Walnut tree was held at the time.
This tree is a broadleaf, deciduous species which grows to an average height of between 10 and 40 metres tall and the shiny green leaves have smooth edges. They are arranged in pairs of leaflets with a slightly larger leaf at the end of each leaflet.
Walnut trees flower in the summer with green catkins hanging from the branches. The nuts are the most commonly known part of the tree and these are the seed body.
Walnut Tree Facts
Walnuts are a regular sight for many people. The nut itself is actually hidden inside a green protective husk, which can stain clothes and skin green.
The nuts were the reason that the tree was so widely planted as it was used to produce the nuts as a food source and it is thought that the Romans introduced the tree to several countries for this purpose.
Timber from the Walnut tree is also popular because of the beautiful natural detail in the grain. It is used to make musical instruments, flooring and fine furniture.
Walnut trees are generally found in isolated areas because grass and other plants do not grow well underneath it.
Chinese medicine makes use of walnuts for a variety of ailments particularly those within the digestive system and it is also used to relieve asthma.
According to folklore the Walnut tree is where witches meet for refuge, this may come from the fact that other plants do not grow well underneath the branches.
It was also said that sleeping under a Walnut tree will bring prophecies for the future, although conversely some believed that anyone who fell asleep under a Walnut tree would never wake up.
