The Common Walnut Tree

Plant Profile of the Persian or Royal Walnut Species, Juglans regia

Sep 8, 2009

The common walnut tree, also known as the Persian or royal walnut tree, is an ancient tree with many uses, most notably for its use as timber and for the walnut fruit.

The common walnut tree (Juglans regia) is a member of the Juglandaceae plant family, also known as the walnut family; there are many other walnut species which belong to the walnut plant family including the black walnut tree (Juglans nigra)and the white walnut tree (Juglans cinerea), both native to North America. However, the common walnut tree is an ancient native of Asia Minor and south eastern Europe.

Distribution of the Common Walnut Tree

Although native to Asia Minor and south eastern Europe, the common walnut tree is now cultivated in many countries with similar climates including North America and Africa; the common walnut tree is found growing at sea level or in higher level forests with the oak tree and pine tree. The common walnut tree is adaptable to many climates and is commonly cultivated by many countries for its timber and nuts.

Characteristics of the Common Walnut Tree

The common walnut tree is a deciduous tree which can attain a height of 30 feet; the common walnut tree has green colored flowers which are called catkins and green fruits, known as drupes; it is the drupes which contain the actual 'walnuts', for which the walnut tree is most well known. The drupes are usually ripe in the Fall, about October time.

Traditional Use of the Common Walnut Tree

The common walnut tree has been used as a food, beauty aid, medicine and natural health supplement. Pliny (AD 23-79) and Theophrastus (371-287 BC) both record the use of the fruit and the leaves of the walnut tree for a natural hair dye. The leaves of the walnut tree have been used to heal skin and digestive problems; in addition, walnut oil has been used to increase lactation of nursing mothers and to treat kidney stones.

The Use of the Common Walnut Tree as Timber

The common walnut tree has been coveted for its timber for centuries; the alternative name for the common walnut tree, the royal walnut tree, is perhaps a reference to the use of the timber of the walnut tree in church and royal sculptures and furnitures, in place of oak. The red colored wood of the common walnut tree was, and still is today, considered to be luxurious; walnut wood is often found in the fittings of luxury cars.

Uses of the Common Walnut Tree Today

The common walnut tree still has many uses today; it is one of the most popular fruit trees to grown in the garden. The common walnut tree is used:

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The copyright of the article The Common Walnut Tree in Plant Species is owned by Sharon Falsetto. Permission to republish The Common Walnut Tree in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.