Chinese Walnut
Juglans cathayensisfam. Juglandaceae
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Pl. 8C71 — Juglans cathayensis
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IOverview
Overview
Chinese Walnut (Juglans cathayensis) is a deciduous tree native to the forests of Amur, China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions, as well as parts of Korea, Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, Khabarovsk, and Taiwan. Known for its edible nuts and documented medicinal uses, this plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. The tree's seeds are both edible and have been used for medicinal purposes, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of the Chinese Walnut is its adaptability to various soil types, allowing it to flourish in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Walnut?
Chinese Walnut (Juglans cathayensis) is a deciduous tree native to the forests of Amur, China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions, as well as parts of Korea, Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, Khabarovsk, and Taiwan.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
Digestive Harmony
digestiondecoction
Traditionally used to soothe digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Walnut thrives in moist, well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types, with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It requires full to partial sunlight and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. To propagate, use seeds, which can be sown directly into the ground after harvesting or stratified before planting. This tree grows up to 20 meters tall and is native to areas including Amur, China, Korea, Manchuria, and Taiwan.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Walnut for the first time
8steps
Start with a Chinese Walnut tree to experience growing nuts from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
A Chinese Walnut seed or sapling, a container if planting indoors, and potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant the seed about 2 inches deep in the soil; for saplings, dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to avoid scorching the young leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest nuts when they are ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, and using the wrong fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Herbicideoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (2)PolandRussia
introduced (5)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaRussia
Asia9 regions
native (8)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqPakistanSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkey
introduced (1)India
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Amur, Transcaucasus, Primorye, Khabarovsk, West Himalaya, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Transcaucasus, Tadzhikistan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Juglandaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Juglandaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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