JuglansRegia01

Note: These plants can be dangerous if improperly used. The author, and/or ernestartist.org assume no liability for experimentation of use.

Ernestartist.org assumes no liability for experimental use of medicinal plants, food plants or herbal remedies.

A deciduous tree growing to 20m by 20m at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The scented flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

The walnut tree is frequently cultivated for its edible seed in temperate zones of the world, there are many named varieties. Trees grow well in most areas of Britain but they often fail to fully ripen their fruits or their wood in our cooler and damper climate, they prefer a more continental climate. There are some very fine trees in Cornwall. Walnuts can produce large healthy trees in many parts of Britain, but seedling trees often do not fruit reliably. Some European varieties have been developed that succeed in colder areas. Seedling trees are said to take from 6 to 15 years to come into fruit from seed, but these cultivars usually start cropping within 5 years.

Plants produce a deep taproot and they are intolerant of root disturbance. Seedlings should be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible and given some protection for their first winter or two since they are somewhat tender when young.

Flower initiation depends upon suitable conditions in the previous summer. The flowers and young growths can be destroyed by even short periods down to -2°c, but fortunately plants are usually late coming into leaf. Some cultivars are self-fertile, though it is generally best to grow at least two different cultivars to assist in cross-pollination.

Any pruning should only be carried out in late summer to early autumn or when the plant is fully dormant otherwise wounds will bleed profusely and this will severely weaken the tree.

Plants produce chemicals which can inhibit the growth of other plants. These chemicals are dissolved out of the leaves when it rains and are washed down to the ground below, reducing the growth of plants under the tree. The roots also produce substances that are toxic to many plant species, especially apples (Malus species), members of the Ericaceae, Potentilla spp and the white pines (certain Pinus spp.). Trees have a dense canopy which tends to reduce plant growth below them. All in all, not the best of companion trees, it is also suggested that the trees do not like growing together in clumps. Trees are said to inhibit the growth of potatoes and tomatoes.

Seed - eaten raw or used in confections, cakes, ice cream etc. A delicious favor. The seed can also be ground into a meal and used as a favoring in sweet and savor dishes. The unripe fruits are pickled in vinegar.

An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it should not be stored for any length of time since it tends to go rancid quickly. The oil has a pleasant favor and is used in salads or for cooking.

The sap is tapped in spring and used to make a sugar. The finely ground shells are used in the stuffing of 'agnolotti' pasta. The leaves are used as a tea. A yellow dye is obtained from the green husks. It is green. The green nuts (is this the same as the green husks?) and the leaves are also used. The rind of unripe fruits is a good source of tannin. A brown dye is obtained from the leaves and mature husks. It does not require a mordant and turns black if prepared in an iron pot. The dye is often used as a coloring and tonic for dark hair. The leaves and the husks can be dried for later use. A golden-brown dye is obtained from the catkins in early summer. It does not require a mordant. A drying oil is obtained from the seed. It is used in soap making, paints, etc. It is not very stable and quickly goes rancid. The nuts can be used as a wood polish. Simply crack open the shell and rub the kernel into the wood to release the oils. Wipe off with a clean cloth.

The dried fruit rind is used to paint doors, window frames etc. (it probably protects the wood due to its tannin content). The leaves contain juglone, this has been shown to have pesticidal and herbicidal properties. The crushed leaves are an insect repellent. Juglone is also secreted from the roots of the tree, it has an inhibitory effect on the growth of many other plants. Bark of the tree and the fruit rind are dried and used as a tooth cleaner. They can also be used fresh.

The shells may be used as antiskid agents for tires, blasting grit, and in the preparation of activated carbon. (Activated charcoal and fructose have recently been suggested to foil the alcohol "breathalizer.") Ground nut shells used as adulterant of spices.

Wood - heavy, hard, durable, close grained, seasons and polishes well. A very valuable timber tree, it is used for furniture making, veneer etc.

Alterative; Anodyne; Anti-inflammatory; Astringent; Bach; Blood purifier; Cancer; Depurative; Detergent; Diuretic; Laxative; Lithontriptic; Pectoral; Skin; Stimulant; Vermifuge. Dictionary:

Alterative = Tending to restore to normal health
Anodyne = Capable of soothing or eliminating pain
Anti-inflammatory = Preventing or reducing inflammation.
Astringent = Tending to draw together or constrict tissues; styptic.
Blood purifier = agent that rids blood of impurities; cleanse.
Blood tonic = invigorating, refreshing and restoring blood
Depurative = Purifying the blood
Detergent = A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap
Diuretic = Tending to increase the discharge of urine.
Laxative = stimulates evacuation of the bowels
Lithontriptic= Used for, dissolving or destroying stone in the bladder or kidneys
Pectoral = Useful in relieving disorders of the chest or respiratory tract.
Vermifuge = Anthelmintic = expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine

Walnut has a long history of folk use in the treatment of cancer, some extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity. The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant. 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. Externally, they are made into a paste and applied as a poultice to areas of dermatitis and eczema.

The leaves are alterative, anthelmintic, antiinflamatory, astringent and depurative. They are used internally the treatment of constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves are also used to treat skin ailments and purify the blood. They are considered to be specific in the treatment of strumous sores. Male inflorescence are made into a broth and used in the treatment of coughs and vertigo. The rind is anodyne and astringent. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea and anaemia. The oil from the seed is anthelmintic. It is also used in the treatment of menstrual problems and dry skin conditions. The bark and root-bark are anthelmintic, astringent and detergent.