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Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica) is a deciduous tree or shrub-like tree with multiple trunks. It has large, divided leaves and thick bark that is deeply furrowed when the tree is mature. This tree is now endangered in large parts of the southern portion of its natural range, due to development. 

The nuts are edible but hard to remove from the shell so these trees are not planted for agricultural use.  However, birds eat the nuts and like to nest in the branches.  

This hardy tree tolerates heat, smog, and drought and is great on slopes.  It does best in moist areas and can handle garden watering.  Toxins in walnut seeds will typically prevent other plants from growing under the tree, so don't try to put understory plants too close.

Plant type

Tree

Size

50 - 75 ft Tall
50 - 75 ft Wide

Form

Rounded

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

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Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Bank stabilization, Deer resistant

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Moderate

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 20 - 25° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Adaptable.
Soil PH: 6 - 7

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 5 months stratification (USDA Forest Service 1974). Some fresh seeds may need only 2 to 3 months; thus, germinating seeds should be removed and planted at periodic inspections.

Sunset Zones

4, 5, 6, 7*, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Slopes, canyons, valleys, often near stream beds or washes

Plant communities

Southern Oak Woodland, Wetland-Riparian

Bats
Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 25 likely

Confirmed Likely
See all

Wandering Tiger Moth

Spilosoma vestalis

Yellow-Haired Dagger Moth

Acronicta impleta

Fall Cankerworm Moth

Alsophila pometaria

Miranda Underwing

Amphipyra pyramidoides

Common names:
California Black Walnut, California Walnut, Southern Black Walnut, Southern California Walnut

Botanical names:
Juglans californica var. californica
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