Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the beauty of Juglans ailantifolia, the Japanese Walnut. Native to Japan and Sakhalin, this striking deciduous tree grows up to 65 ft tall, sometimes even reaching 90ft, with a stem diameter ranging between 15-30 inches. Its light grey bark and brighter, yellower green leaves give it a distinguished appearance in any landscape. The leaves are pinnate and downy-pubescent, spanning 50-90cm, with 11-17 leaflets that are each 7-16cm long and 3-5cm broad. The Japanese Walnut blooms yellow-green catkins in the spring when new leaves emerge, adding to its ornamental value. The true highlight is the fruit – a spherical nut approx. 3-5cm long and broad, which grows in clusters of 4-10 together. Before maturity in mid-autumn, each nut is surrounded by a green husk. Ideal for parks and large gardens, the Japanese Walnut prefers a sunny location in well-drained soil, ranging from sandy, loamy to clay, and can handle varying soil acidity. It is hardy to zone 5, is not frost tender, and its flowers are wind-pollinated.