Overview
Juglans ailantifolia is a spreading branched fruit edible in the genus Juglans, part of the Juglandaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Juglans ailantifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural and wildlife gardens.
About
Juglans ailantifolia, commonly known as Japanese walnut or heart nut, is a spreading branched deciduous tree within the Juglans genus. These trees are known for their compound leaves and produce subtle flowers arranged in catkins during spring and summer, followed by typically edible nuts. Suitable for a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, it thrives in moist but well-drained conditions and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is often used in architectural and wildlife gardens and is propagated by grafting.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Juglans
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Juglans ailantifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Juglans ailantifolia
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and walnut blister mites
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to walnut leaf spot, walnut leaf blotch, honey fungus and coral spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Juglans ailantifolia?
Juglans ailantifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Juglans ailantifolia need?
Juglans ailantifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Juglans ailantifolia hardy in the UK?
Juglans ailantifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Juglans ailantifolia?
Propagate by grafting.
More in the Juglans genus
- Juglans ailantifolia var. cordiformis 'Campbell Cw3' (F)
- Juglans regia 'Plovdivski' (F)
- Juglans regia var. kamaonia
