English Walnut Juglans regia 'Buccaneer' (F)
ABOUT
The Juglans regia 'Buccaneer', also known as the Persian walnut or English walnut, is a deciduous tree that is known for its attractive appearance and the edible nuts it produces. The tree has a rounded, spreading canopy with large, pinnate leaves that can be quite long. Each leaf typically consists of several leaflets arranged on either side of a central stem, with the end of the leaf often having a terminal leaflet. The leaflets have a bright green color in the spring and summer, which then turn a more yellowish hue in the fall before they drop off. The Persian walnut is also recognized for its smooth, silvery-gray bark that can develop deep furrows as it matures. This gives the tree an elegant and distinctive look. Spring brings catkins to the tree, which are slender, cylindrical flower clusters. These are usually not colorful and blend with the foliage, but they are an essential part of the tree's reproductive process. Most notably, the Persian walnut produces the familiar walnut fruits. The fruits are actually a type of drupe, with a fleshy green husk that encases the hard, brown, ridged walnut shell. Inside the hard shell is the edible seed, which is rich in oil and has a strong, distinctive flavor that is prized for both culinary and nutritional uses. The English walnut has a spreading root system and can be quite substantial, and it's commonly used in both orchard production for its nuts and as a shade tree due to its broad canopy and attractive foliage. The leaves can contribute to a serene rustling sound with the breeze, adding to the sensory experience of the tree.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
English Walnut, Persian Walnut, Carpathian Walnut, European Walnut, Common Walnut
Common names
Wallia regia (Lam.) Alef., Juglans duclouxiana Dode, Juglans fallax Dode, Juglans orientis Dode, Juglans regia var. sinensis C.DC., Juglans sinensis (C.DC.) Dode.
ToxicityTo humans
Walnut 'Buccaneer' is generally not toxic to humans when the nuts are consumed as food. However, other parts of the walnut tree, such as the bark, leaves, and stems, contain juglone, a compound that can be toxic in large quantities. Although rare, if ingested in significant amounts, juglone can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, handling plant parts may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. The nuts themselves can also trigger allergic reactions in people with nut allergies, which can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.
To pets
Walnut 'Buccaneer' can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs. The nuts, when moldy, can contain mycotoxins that can cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs if ingested. These symptoms may include tremors, seizures, vomiting, and potentially, in severe cases, neurological signs or even death. Additionally, the juglone in the leaves, stems, and nuts of the walnut tree can be harmful to horses, and when consumed in large quantities, may lead to laminitis or other health issues. It’s essential to prevent pets from consuming walnuts or having access to moldy nuts and fallen tree debris to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nut Production: Produces high-quality walnuts which are a source of food and can be used for culinary purposes.
- Shade Provider: Its large size and broad canopy offer ample shade, making it ideal for landscapes and gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value with its stately form and attractive foliage, enhancing the beauty of the area where it is planted.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Serves as a habitat and provides food for wildlife, including birds and squirrels.
- Soil Improvement: Acts as a natural soil improver by adding organic matter through leaf fall.
- Carbon Sequestration: Contributes to carbon capture, helping mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Walnut leaves may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant: Walnuts are known to have antioxidant properties due to the presence of vitamin E and flavonoids.
- Cardiovascular Health: Consuming walnut kernels can contribute to the maintenance of healthy blood lipid levels, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Antihyperglycemic: Walnuts might have a role in managing blood sugar levels in diabetic conditions.
- Cognitive Function: The omega-3 fatty acids present in walnuts have been associated with better cognitive function.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the walnut tree is highly valued for its rich, dark color and is used to make furniture, cabinetry, and veneer.
- Dyeing Fabric: The husks of walnuts can be used to make a natural dye for fabric, producing colors from light brown to deep chocolate.
- Culinary Uses: While not an unusual use, walnut wood chips can be used in smoking meat to impart a distinctive flavor.
- Ink Production: Historically, the walnut husks have been used to make a brown-colored ink for writing and drawing.
- Craft Material: The shells of walnuts are tough and can be used for creating jewelry, ornaments, and in mosaic art.
- Gardening: Crushed walnut shells can be used as a mulch in gardens to deter certain pests due to juglone, a natural compound in the shells.
- Cleaning: Finely ground walnut shells are used as an abrasive in some cleaning products, suitable for polishing or blast cleaning.
- Animal Bedding: The shavings of walnut wood can be used as bedding for small animals due to its absorbent properties.
- Fishing Tradition: In some cultures, walnut shells are used to make fishing floats because of their buoyancy and durability.
- Landscaping: The walnut tree itself is planted in parks and large gardens for its aesthetic appeal and to provide shade.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Walnut tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Walnut tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: The common walnut tree is often associated with wisdom, as its nuts were historically believed to improve intelligence and brain health due to their shape resembling a human brain.
- Fertility: Walnuts are also symbolic of fertility, owing in part to the tree's prolific nature and the abundance of its fruit.
- Hidden wisdom and secrets: The hard shell of the walnut has been seen as a guardian of inner knowledge, with the meat of the nut symbolizing the protected wisdom inside.
- Health: The walnut tree, valued for its nutritious nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has come to symbolize health and well-being.
- Abundance and prosperity: Since walnut trees produce many nuts and are valuable for their wood, they have become symbols of abundance and financial stability.
- Inner growth and strength: The robustness of the walnut tree represents inner growth and the strength to overcome obstacles in one’s path.
WaterThe English walnut, also known as Juglans regia 'Buccaneer', requires deep watering. Young trees should be watered every week with about 5 to 10 gallons, depending on weather conditions. Mature walnut trees may need less frequent watering but with a greater amount, up to 15 to 20 gallons, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of several feet. During the growing season, be attentive to rainfall and adjust as necessary. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become bone dry.
LightThe English walnut thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best to plant this tree in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Shadier spots may lead to less fruitful production and a weakened tree structure, so aim for sunnier spots when possible.
TemperatureEnglish walnuts prefer temperate climates with a range of 85 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. The temperature should not drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to avoid cold damage to the tree. The ideal temperature conditions for optimum growth are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningThe English walnut requires pruning primarily to encourage structural strength and to facilitate harvest. Prune during dormancy in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches annually, and thin out branches to increase light penetration and air circulation. Pruning is generally done once a year, adjusting for the tree's response and growth pattern.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the English Walnut 'Buccaneer' is well-draining, deep, and fertile loam with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Incorporate organic matter and ensure ample nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingEnglish Walnut 'Buccaneer' trees do not require frequent repotting as they are typically grown outdoors and develop extensive root systems; repotting is generally done when initially planting or transplanting.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Walnut 'Buccaneer' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in deep, fertile soil with full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Juglans regia 'Buccaneer', commonly known as the Persian walnut, begins with seed germination, where the seed requires stratification to break dormancy, usually involving a period of cold temperatures. Once the seed germinates, it develops into a seedling with a taproot and begins to establish a foliage canopy. As a juvenile, the tree experiences rapid growth and can take several years to reach maturity and start producing nuts, typically around the age of 5-7 years. During its reproductive phase, the tree flowers in late spring, with separate male and female flowers (monoecious), resulting in pollination and nut development typically through wind dispersal. The nuts mature by fall and are harvested, while the tree enters a dormant phase during winter months with leaf fall. This cycle repeats annually with the tree having the potential to live for several hundreds of years, continually growing in size and canopy spread, while producing nuts yearly once maturity is reached.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most common method for propagating the Buccaneer walnut tree (Juglans regia 'Buccaneer') is through the stratification and sowing of seeds. This entails collecting ripe nuts in the fall, preferably from October to November. The seeds require a cold treatment to break dormancy, achieved by mixing the nuts with a moist medium such as peat moss and sand and then storing them in a sealed container or plastic bag within a refrigerator set at 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius), for approximately 90 to 120 days. After the stratification period, the seeds are then sown in well-drained soil at a depth of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters), with germination occurring in the spring as temperatures rise. This method is effective yet time-consuming and requires patience, as the walnuts will take several years to reach fruit-bearing maturity.
