California Walnut (Juglans californica)

Family: Juglandaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Juglans californica is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from April to May. 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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Seed - raw, cooked or used in pies, cakes, biscuits, confections etc.; The seed is small with a thick shell but it makes good eating and is said to have a better flavour than Juglans nigra.; The seed is up to 15mm in diameter.; The seed ripens in late autumn and, when stored in its shell in a cool place, will keep for at least 6 months.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist or dry gravelly soils along river courses and bottomlands. Locally common in oak woods below 750 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)