Walnut, English walnut, Persian Walnut,

Juglans regia

Physical Characteristics

Juglans regia is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Europe to N. Asia. More or less naturalized in S. Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Oil Sap Seed Edible Uses: Oil Oil Sweetener Tea Seed - eaten raw or used in confections, cakes, ice cream etc[2, 5, 12, 34, 183]. A delicious flavour. The seed can also be ground into a meal and used as a flavouring in sweet and savoury dishes[183]. The unripe fruits are pickled in vinegar[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[4, 7, 57, 183], it should not be stored for any length of time since it tends to go rancid quickly[7, 132]. The oil has a pleasant flavour and is used in salads or for cooking[183]. The sap is tapped in spring and used to make a sugar[117]. The finely ground shells are used in the stuffing of 'agnolotti' pasta[183]. They have also been used as adulterant of spices[269]. The dried green husks contain 2.5 - 5% ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - this can be extracted and used as a vitamin supplement[269]. The leaves are used as a tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne Antiinflammatory Astringent Bach Blood purifier Cancer Depurative Detergent Diuretic Eczema Laxative Lithontripic Miscellany Pectoral Skin Stimulant Urinary Vermifuge Vitamin C The walnut tree has a long history of medicinal use, being used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of complaints[269]. The leaves are alterative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and depurative[9, 218]. They are used internally the treatment of constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhoea, dyspepsia etc[9]. The leaves are also used to treat skin ailments and purify the blood[9, 218]. They are considered to be specific in the treatment of strumous sores[240]. Male inflorescences are made into a broth and used in the treatment of coughs and vertigo[218]. The rind is anodyne and astringent[147]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and anaemia[238]. The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant[218]. They are used internally in the treatment of low back pain, frequent urination, weakness of both legs, chronic cough, asthma, constipation due to dryness or anaemia and stones in the urinary tract[176]. Externally, they are made into a paste and applied as a poultice to areas of dermatitis and eczema[176]. The oil from the seed is anthelmintic[218]. It is also used in the treatment of menstrual problems and dry skin conditions[238]. The cotyledons are used in the treatment of cancer[218]. Walnut has a long history of folk use in the treatment of cancer, some extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity[218]. The bark and root bark are anthelmintic, astringent and detergent[218, 240]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Oversensitive to ideas and influences' and 'The link-breaker'[209].

Known Hazards

None known