Pterocarya fraxinifolia

From Caucasus and Northern Iran comes one of my absolutely top favourites – wing nut. Its large leaves, fruit and monumental statue predetermine this tree to become the most significant feature of any large garden or a park.

Leaves are pinnate, glossy, upto 40 cm long, compound of 15-25 elongated individual leaflets. Their colour is grass green when they emerge and turn rich to deep green as they mature in summer.

Winged fruit appear in summer. They are produced in upto 50 cm long, pendent spikes of bright lime green colour.

Wing nut is a vigorous plant which needs a lot of space when grown feathered from ground. For usual gardens of larger sizes a tree form with a trunk and crow is much more suitable.

It is quite soil adaptable. It does best in deep, fertile, moist soil and tolerates partly wet sites once established. It has plenty of strong surface roots which may be a problem for sidewalks, curbs, and sideways so allow at least 5m distance from any concrete. Fully hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 08-02-2008.