Leaves & needles
Usually five to nine broad, mostly smooth-edged leaflets; the terminal leaflet is largest.
IntroducedDeciduousTypical height 15–30 m
Common walnut
Juglans regia
A broad garden tree with large compound leaves and nuts inside green husks.
THROUGH THE YEAR
Common walnut through the seasons
Open spreading crown with bold compound leaves.
Yellowing foliage and round green-husked nuts.
Heavy curving branches, stout twigs and dark buds.
Typical open-grown form. Leaf fall varies with weather and location; young or clipped trees may retain dead leaves. Pruned, sheltered and young trees can look different.
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
How to identify common walnut
Bark
Grey bark starts smooth, then forms broad, interlacing ridges.
Twigs
Stout green-brown shoots with alternate buds and large leaf scars.
Buds
Squat, dark brown or purplish buds; rounded terminal buds are prominent.
Flowers & pollen
Drooping male catkins and small female flowers at shoot tips, both on the same tree.
Fruit, seeds & cones
Round green husks contain the ridged, hard-shelled walnuts.
Images show typical features and are not to scale. Confirm several features using the reference sources below.
CARE WITH PURPOSE
Caring for common walnut
Help it thrive
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil and a warm, spacious position. Avoid frost pockets and disturbance around established roots.
Pruning advice
Prune as little as possible. Remove selected small crossing or damaged branches; major reduction needs specialist assessment.
When can it be pruned?
July–August, avoiding the spring sap rise
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Highlighted months are an indicative window for the work described, not a reason to prune every year. An unshaded month is not an absolute ban.
Timing must suit the tree's health, weather, wildlife and legal protection. Avoid severe frost, drought and vulnerable new leaf growth. Mature trees, major branches and suspected defects need professional assessment.
Tree health: what to watch for
Sap bleeding is a particular concern if pruned at unsuitable times.
Identification & care references
Guide researched November 2026. Identification remains provisional until several features agree. UK native means native in some part of the UK, not necessarily your area.
Before work in England, check tree preservation orders, conservation-area restrictions and wildlife protection. Official tree protection guidance ↗