PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, sunny locations and tolerates light shade in hot summer climates
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during extended dry periods; avoid overwatering as it is drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters in temperate regions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Compound pinnate leaves with 5–9 lanceolate leaflets, glossy dark green above, pale fuzzy undersides, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Monoecious; male drooping catkins release wind-borne pollen, female small green clusters grow at branch tips
- Stem/Bark: Gray-brown mature bark with deep, intersecting furrows; young stems are smooth and greenish-brown
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply during dry spells to support leaf growth and nut development; maintain moist but not waterlogged soil
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Fertilizer is only necessary in severely nutrient-poor soils
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp per square foot around the tree’s drip line; water thoroughly to work powder into the soilPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter while the tree is dormant
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration for better nut production
- Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce fruiting and disrupt the tree’s natural canopy shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no known adverse effects from ingestion of leaves or nuts
Humans: Edible nuts when ripe; no toxic compounds in foliage or bark
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible nuts for human consumption; hardwood used for furniture, tool handles, and smoking meat
