Juglans ailanthifolia
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Juglans ailanthifolia

Japanese walnut

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
154
Observations
1

Description

Source: leafsnap

Juglans ailantifolia (synonyms J. cordiformis and J. sieboldiana and J. mandshurica var. sachalinensis), the Japanese walnut (Japanese: 鬼胡桃 oni-gurumi), is a species of walnut native to Japan and Sakhalin. It is a deciduous tree growing to 20 m (66 ft) tall, rarely 30 m (98 ft), and 40–80 cm stem diameter, with light grey bark. The leaves are pinnate, 50–90 cm long, with 11-17 leaflets, each leaflet 7–16 cm long and 3–5 cm broad. The whole leaf is downy-pubescent, and a somewhat brighter, yellower green than many other tree leaves. The male flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green catkins produced in spring at the same time as the new leaves appear. The female flowers have pink/ red pistils. The fruit is a nut, produced in bunches of 4-10 together; the nut is spherical, 3–5 cm long and broad, surrounded by a green husk before maturity in mid autumn.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Japanese walnut thrives in moist conditions and requires consistent soil moisture for optimal growth. It should be watered twice a week and benefits from natural rainfall, especially when grown outdoors. This promotes vigorous growth during its active growing season.

☀️ Light Full sun

Japanese walnut is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which offer abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for a Japanese walnut?

The Japanese walnut, or Juglans ailanthifolia, thrives in different sunlight conditions. For 'Full sun,' it requires more than 6 hours of sunlight per day. When placed in 'Partial sun,' it still grows well with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. Selecting the right spots that offer a balanced exposure to light and shade can significantly influence the health and happiness of your plants.

🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Japanese walnut adapts well to a range of climatic conditions, from scorching summers to cold winters. That said, it does have an optimal temperature range in which it grows best. If temperatures get too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures approach the lower end of its cold tolerance, taking insulating measures to protect the plant is important.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
FAQ
What is the botanic name of the Japanese walnut?

The botanic name of the Japanese walnut is Juglans ailanthifolia. This name helps in accurately identifying the plant, distinguishing it from other species in the walnut family.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Japanese walnut in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular fertilization improves overall health, leading to vigorous growth, greater tolerance of adverse conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Japanese walnut to maintain lush foliage with deep, vibrant color.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Japanese walnut, known for its compound leaves and edible nuts, thrives with yearly pruning in early spring. Key practices involve removing dead or overcrowded branches to improve airflow and sunlight exposure. It's important to avoid excessive cuts to prevent sap loss. Following these horticultural guidelines promotes healthier trees and increases nut yields.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Juglans
Family
Juglandaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
14.94 m to 20.12 m
Mature Spread
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Russia, Japan

Tags (4)

Common Names (1)

en Japanese walnut