PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; young trees benefit from partial shade protection to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; thrives in temperate climates, tolerates summer heat and winter cold
Characteristics
- Leaf: Compound pinnate leaves with 5–7 lanceolate leaflets, glossy dark green above, pale green below, turning yellow-brown in fall
- Flower: Monoecious; male catkins droop in clusters, female flowers are small green terminal spikes
- Fruit: Round, thin-shelled nut with edible kernel; husk splits into 4 sections when fully ripe
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during prolonged dry spells; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of nut production
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the drip line in early spring; work lightly into the topsoil to avoid runoffPruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter when dormant
- Thin crowded canopy branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Remove suckers at the base to direct growth to the main trunk
- Avoid heavy pruning; maintain the tree's natural rounded form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; nuts are edible when properly prepared
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Timber for furniture and flooring; edible nuts for human consumption and wildlife forage; shade tree for large landscapes
