2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Black walnut (lat. Juglans nigra) - a representative of the Walnut genus of the Walnut family. In nature, the species is found mainly in North America. Typical habitats are mixed forests.
Characteristics of culture
Black walnut is a deciduous tree up to 40 m high with a trunk covered with black, deeply fissured bark. Leaves are green, compound, pinnate, alternate, consisting of 11-23 leaflets. The leaves are oblong-ovate or elliptical, with unequal sharp-toothed edges and a rounded base, have a sharp balsamic odor. Flowers are dioecious, wind-pollinated. Female flowers are collected in ears or brushes, male - in complex inflorescences-earrings, the length of which varies from 6 to 12 cm. Black walnut blooms in the middle lane in mid-May.
The fruit is pear-shaped or spherical, light green, pubescent with glandular hairs, reaches 3.5-5 cm in diameter. The peel of the fruit is thick, fleshy, cracks when ripe. The nut is ovoid or round, pointed towards the top, dark brown or black, and has a thick shell. The kernel is medium-sized, oily, edible. The culture enters fruiting in 6-9 years after planting. The fruits ripen in late September - mid-October. Up to 5 fruits are formed on one axis.
Growing conditions
The cultivation of black walnut in the conditions of central Russia is problematic, since the plants are quite demanding on soil conditions and location. Black walnut is a light-loving culture, but in shade tolerance it is not inferior to gray walnuts and walnuts. The plant is thermophilic, the optimum temperature for growth and development is 22-24C. Black walnut does not differ in frost resistance, although botanists have found that some representatives are able to withstand short-term frosts up to -38C. The culture has a negative attitude towards spring frosts, especially for young, still immature plants.
Black walnut is relatively drought-resistant (in comparison with Manchurian walnut and walnut). Calmly tolerates short-term flooding. Soils are preferable neutral or slightly alkaline, fertile, loose. The presence of phosphorus and potash fertilizers in the soil is encouraged. Black walnut does not tolerate acidic, saline and waterlogged soils, as well as soils containing a large amount of nitrogen. In areas with an excess of nitrogen, plants slow down their growth, do not have time to ripen by the cold, and as a result are damaged by frost. Black walnut needs protection from cold winds. In the lowlands, growing a crop is highly undesirable.
Planting and leaving
A planting hole for black walnut is prepared 14-20 days before the intended planting. The depth and width of the pit depend on the size of the root system of the seedling. The roots of a young plant should be placed freely in the hole, this will have a positive effect on further growth and general condition. Phosphorus and potash fertilizers, wood ash and humus are mandatory introduced into the pit. Fertilizers should not come into contact with the root system, therefore, before applying, they must be thoroughly mixed with the top layer of soil. The seedling is lowered into a pit, covered with soil by 1/2 part, moistened abundantly and after 5-10 minutes the remaining soil is added, after which it is compacted and mulched with organic material.
At a young age, black walnut needs regular watering. Adult plants need abundant moisture during prolonged drought, during the period of active growth and flowering. In the second half of summer, watering is reduced, this is necessary for the timely completion of the growth of the nut, the ripening of the wood and its preparation for stable cold weather. In dry summers, moisture is also necessary at the time of fruit formation. Loosening of the trunk circle is encouraged. Sanitary trims are required, shaping - optional. Sanitary pruning is the removal of dry, diseased and frostbitten branches. Thickening branches are also cut out.
Application
Black walnut kernels are used in cooking and medicine. Kernels are especially widely used in the confectionery industry. The kernels are known to be rich in ascorbic acid, tannins, organic acids, carotenes, vitamins and flavonoids. Nuts are often included in dietary supplements and medicinal tinctures. Black walnut wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, flooring, wall panels, propellers for helicopters and aircraft, rifle butts and musical instruments.
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