Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Caucasian Wingnut)


Botanical Information

FamilyJuglandaceae
GenusPterocarya
Speciesfraxinifolia
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginNative to Japan, it was introduced to France in 1784, and to Great Britain after 1800.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - (-20)
Temperature (°F)5 - (-4)
Height9 - 15 m
Spread9 - 15 m
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright, rounded and broad.
LandscapeLarge parks, commercial plantings and residential lawns.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Average, medium moisture and well-drained soil. Tolerates hard, compact soils. Drought tolerant.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatFlat ground and shallow slopes near river banks.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is a dull grey, with a network of broad vertical ridges.
Leaf DescriptionCompound,, odd-pinnate leaves that are 45 cm long. Each leaf contains 7 - 27, ovate to oblong-lanceolate, sharply-toothed leaflets that are 5 - 12 cm long.
Flower DescriptionNon-showy, monoecious flowers appear in pendulous catkins in late spring. Female catkins are 50 cm long and male catkins are 12 cm long.
Fruit DescriptionSmall winged nutlets develop in female catkins in early summer, forming pendulous strings that are 50 cm long.
Colour DescriptionNutlets are green and become brown as they mature. The leaves are dark green. the flowers are light green.
Texture DescriptionThe leaves have a glossy texture.

Photographs