Introducing the Manchurian Walnut:
Discover the beauty and resilience of the Manchurian Walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.), a deciduous tree native to the Eastern Asiatic Region. Standing at a majestic height of approximately 25 meters, this tree belongs to the genus Juglans (section Cardiocaryon) and can be found in China, Russian Far East, North Korea, and South Korea.
The Manchurian Walnut is known for its vibrant foliage, with alternate leaves growing between 40 to 90 centimeters in length. These odd-pinnate leaves boast 7 to 19 leaflets, each measuring 6 to 17 centimeters in length and 2 to 7.5 centimeters in breadth. The leaflets have serrate or serrulate margins and acuminate apices.
During the spring season, the tree displays drooping catkins of male flowers, reaching lengths of 9 to 40 centimeters. The female flowers, wind-pollinated and appearing between April and May, can be found terminally on spikes of 4 to 10. By August to October, these female flowers transform into nuts that measure 3 to 7.5 centimeters in diameter. These nuts are enclosed in a dense, glandular pubescent green husk and possess an impressively thick shell.
One of the most remarkable qualities of the Manchurian Walnut is its exceptional hardiness, as it can withstand temperatures as low as -45°C. It also has a comparatively short vegetation period when compared to other walnut species. Due to these attributes, the Manchurian Walnut is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in colder temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere. Even in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, it has been found to thrive successfully.
While the kernels of the Manchurian Walnut are edible, they are relatively small and can be challenging to extract. Nevertheless, they offer a delightful taste and can be enjoyed by those willing to put in the effort. The timber derived from this tree is also of value, although it is generally considered less valuable than that of English walnut or black walnut.
A distinctive characteristic of the Manchurian Walnut is its tendency to contain and release fewer allelopathic compounds, such as juglone, compared to other popular Juglans species. This means that it tends to have fewer allelopathic effects when cultivated. Additionally, there is sometimes confusion between Juglans mandshurica and Juglans cathayensis, with the latter being distinguished by tomentose leaflets, a greater number of flowers per spike, and its distribution south of the Huang He river.
If you are intrigued by this remarkable tree, we invite you to explore more information on our website. Learn about its habitat, growth characteristics, and the regions it can be found. With its resilience, beauty, and impressive botanical qualities, the Manchurian Walnut is a remarkable addition to any landscape.