Cutleaf Walnut Juglans regia 'Laciniata'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Cutleaf Walnut is distinctively characterized by its deeply lobed, delicate, and intricately textured leaves. Unlike the standard walnut leaves, these are finely cut which gives the foliage a feathery, lacy appearance. They still maintain the classic pinnate shape but with a more ornamental twist. The leaves are vibrant green, turning to a yellowish hue in the fall, which adds seasonal interest to the landscape. This variety of walnut is prized for its unique leaf shape, making it a stand-out among other trees with more typical foliage. The tree produces edible walnuts that are encased in a hard, rounded shell. These nuts are renowned for their rich taste and nutritional benefits. The bark of the tree is typically rough and furrowed, with a grayish-brown color that provides textural contrast in the garden. When the tree blooms, it displays inconspicuous, greenish-yellow catkins that further add to its ornamental value. Overall, the Cutleaf Walnut offers both visual appeal through its foliage and practical value from its nut production.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Juglandaceae.
Synonyms
Cutleaf Walnut, Fernleaf Walnut, Laciniate Walnut.
Common names
Juglans regia var. sinensis, Juglans duclouxiana, Juglans fallax, Juglans orientis, Juglans regia var. kamaonica, Juglans regia var. axieriana, Juglans regia var. bispinosa.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Juglans regia 'Laciniata' is the common walnut. The common walnut itself is not considered toxic to humans when consumed in normal food quantities. However, the nuts and the green husks can be allergenic and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Additionally, the shells contain juglone, a compound that can be toxic in large quantities. Yet, normal food quantities of walnuts are generally safe, and the shells are not intended for consumption. Some people may also experience irritation from handling the hulls of the nuts due to juglone or other substances. Symptoms of a walnut allergy may include itching, swelling, respiratory issues, or anaphylaxis in severe cases.
To pets
The common name for Juglans regia 'Laciniata' is the common walnut. Common walnuts are toxic to dogs and horses, with the risk being higher from the ingestion of moldy nuts or husks. These can contain compounds that may cause gastric distress or more severe symptoms such as tremors or seizures in dogs. In horses, walnuts can potentially lead to laminitis, a serious inflammatory condition of the hooves. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures. It's important to prevent pets from having access to walnut trees during the nut-fall season to avoid accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
50 feet (15 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeast Europe to China
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides Shade: The large, expansive canopy of the common walnut tree creates ample shade, making it an excellent choice for landscape designs that require natural cooling.
- Edible Nuts: Produces walnuts that are a nutritious food source for both humans and wildlife.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its distinctive, deeply cut leaves, the 'Laciniata' variety adds a unique and ornamental look to gardens and landscapes.
- Durable Wood: The wood is highly valued for its quality and is used in woodworking and furniture making due to its durability and attractive grain.
- Supports Biodiversity: It serves as a habitat and food source for a variety of birds, insects, and other wildlife, increasing the ecological diversity of the area.
- Soil Improvement: Fallen leaves and decomposing shells contribute to soil fertility through nutrient cycling.
- Large Growth: Its potential for large growth makes it suitable for parks and large gardens where space is not a constraint.
- Carbon Sequestration: As a sizeable perennial plant, it helps in carbon sequestration, mitigating some effects of climate change.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Juglans regia has been used to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants which may help in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits antimicrobial properties which can help to fight against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Astringent: The astringent qualities of Juglans regia can be used for skin conditions and reducing excessive sweating.
- Venotonic: May improve venous circulation and is sometimes used for issues like varicose veins.
- Antidiabetic: Some studies suggest it may help to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
- Antihelminthic: Traditionally used to expel parasitic worms from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of the walnut tree can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a rich, brown color.
- Walnut wood is highly regarded by woodworkers for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry due to its durability and attractive grain.
- Crushed walnut shells are used as an abrasive in sandblasting or as a filler for stuffing or insulation.
- Walnut shells can also be added to potpourri mixtures for their pleasant, woodsy scent and texture.
- Walnut oil, extracted from the nuts, is used in art for thinning oil paints and as a brush cleaner that benefits from its slow-drying properties.
- The husks of walnuts have been traditionally used to create a natural insect repellent by farmers to protect their crops.
- In some cultures, walnut wood shavings are used in smoking meats to impart a distinctive flavor.
- Walnut leaves can be used to create a beautiful, natural brown ink for drawing or calligraphy.
- As a biomass fuel, walnut shells can be burned for heat and energy due to their high caloric content.
- The sturdy shells of walnuts can be polished and used in jewelry making or as decorative buttons.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe English walnut is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe English walnut is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: The common name of Juglans regia 'Laciniata' is the Persian Walnut or English Walnut, which is often associated with intelligence and wisdom, as walnuts are believed to resemble the human brain in shape.
- Fertility: Walnuts have been a symbol of fertility in various cultures, representing the potential for new life as they contain the seed from which a new tree can grow.
- Health: Since walnuts are known for their nutritional benefits and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they are commonly seen as a symbol of good health and wellbeing.
- Abundance: The tree's ability to produce a large number of nuts is sometimes seen as a reflection of prosperity and abundance.
- Hidden Wisdom: The hard shell of the walnut which encases the nut is sometimes seen as a metaphor for the protective layer one must go through to reach the deeper knowledge or truth within.
- Sacred: In some traditions, the walnut tree is considered sacred and associated with gods and goddesses, underlining its spiritual significance.
WaterThe Cutleaf Walnut should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil around the roots to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In a single watering session, aim to provide approximately 1-2 gallons of water per square foot of root spread, ensuring you moisten the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Reduce watering in the fall and during the winter months when the tree is dormant, adjusting to the tree's reduced water needs.
LightThe Cutleaf Walnut thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this tree would be an open area away from buildings and other shade structures to ensure it receives ample light throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Cutleaf Walnut can survive a range of temperatures, with an ideal growing range between 50°F and 85°F. This tree is hardy and can withstand winter lows down to -20°F, although it is best to protect it from extreme cold. Avoid planting in locations where temperatures frequently exceed 100°F as this can stress the tree.
PruningPrune the Cutleaf Walnut in late winter to early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches. This timing minimizes stress on the tree and allows for the best healing. Pruning should occur every 2 to 3 years to maintain its health and structural integrity, focusing on enhancing the natural form of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common walnut or English walnut is well-drained, deep, fertile and loamy with a pH of 6 to 7.
RepottingEnglish walnuts are typically not repotted as they are large trees, but when young they may be transplanted every few years.
Humidity & MistingEnglish walnuts thrive in outdoor conditions and do not require specific humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure large space, adequate sunlight, and strong support for English walnut.
Outdoor
Plant in deep, fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
English walnut is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycleJuglans regia 'Laciniata', commonly known as the Cutleaf Walnut, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are adequate. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and develops into a young sapling with deeply lobed leaves, distinctive for the 'Laciniata' cultivar. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, the plant focuses energy on developing a strong root system and stem, which over several years will become a sturdy trunk. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, the tree produces flowers; the male catkins and female flowers are usually found on the same tree but in separate locations, with pollination often aided by wind. Following successful pollination, the tree bears fruit in the form of walnuts encased in a green husk, which mature in the autumn and eventually fall to the ground. The mature Cutleaf Walnut tree can live for many decades, continually reproducing through its seeds, and has the potential to reach a significant height and width, becoming a prominent feature in the landscape.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the common walnut, Juglans regia 'Laciniata', is through seed germination. This typically occurs in autumn when the walnuts can be sown directly into the soil. The seeds should first be cleaned of any remaining fruit and then stratified, which involves keeping them in a moist, cold environment for approximately 90-120 days to simulate winter conditions. This process helps to break the seed dormancy and can be done by placing the seeds in a bag with moist sand and keeping it in the refrigerator, at a temperature around 34-41 degrees Fahrenheit (1-5 degrees Celsius). After stratification, the seeds are ready to be planted in well-drained soil where they will germinate and grow into new walnut trees. It is important to plant the seeds at a depth of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) and to keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
