Pterocarya fraxinifolia

(Lam. ex Poir.) Spach

Caucasian wingnut

Juglandaceae Edible: Seeds, Nuts 2,578 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Pterocarya fraxinifolia is a species of tree in the Juglandaceae family. It is commonly known as the Caucasian wingnut or Caucasian walnut. It is native to the Caucasian region Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. It was introduced to France in 1784, and to Great Britain after 1800.

Description

A dome shaped deciduous tree. It grows 25 m high. It spreads 18 m wide. The branches are stout. The bark is grey and broken into a network of cracks. The twigs are hollow in the centre divided into plates. The leaves and flowers do not have scales. The leaves are alternate and divided into 7-21 leaflets. These are along the stalk. The leaflets do not have stalks and have teeth around the edge. They are shiny and bright green above and paler underneath. The male and female flowers are separate on the stalk. The male catkin is fat and the female in narrow. They are 7.5-12.5 cm long. The fruit is winged. The long fruiting catkins carry many winged seeds.

Edible Uses

The seeds are technically edible, though no preparation details are documented. Bear in mind they are very small and would be exceptionally fiddly to work with in any practical quantity.

Medicinal Uses

The plant has diaphoretic properties.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is native to the E. Caucasus and N. Iran. It grows in damp places near streams. It will also grow in drier places. It needs sheltered places protected from late frosts. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Where It Grows

Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, France, Georgia, Iran, Middle East, Russia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water, then cold stratified for 2–3 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and overwinter them in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July/August in a frame, or cuttings of mature shoots in November in a frame — use only vigorous shoots. Layering and division of suckers during the dormant season are also suitable methods.

Other Uses

The bast from the bark is used for weaving hats and similar items. The wood is soft and hard to split, and finds use in making matches and shoes.

Synonyms

Juglans fraxinifolia Lam.

Also Known As

Kavkaški krilati oreškar

References (9)

Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 186
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1107
Flowerdew, B., 2000, Complete Fruit Book. Kyle Cathie Ltd., London. p 209 (Pterocarya fraxiniflora)
Harris, E & J., 1983, Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Britain. Reader's Digest. p 169
Hist. nat. veg. 2:180. 1834

Show all 9 references

http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Postman, J. D., et al, 2012, Recent NPGS Coordinated Expeditions in the Trans-Caucasus Region to Collect Wild Relatives of Temperate Fruit and Nut Crops. In Acta Horticulturae Number 948 p 191-198
Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 137