The Common walnut (Juglans regia) is a tree native to Central Asia, particularly Iran and India, and its history goes back several thousand years. Cultivated since ancient times, it was introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Romans, who valued its nutritious fruit and precious wood. In ancient Rome, walnuts were considered luxury foods, reserved for feasts and religious ceremonies. Over the centuries, the Common walnut spread throughout Europe, where it became a symbol of wisdom and fertility. Today, it is appreciated throughout the world for its wood, its nuts and its symbolic aura, combining legends and traditions.
The Common walnut has leaves rich in nutrients, which, as they fall, enrich the soil with organic matter. This decomposition of the leaves promotes more fertile soil and improves soil structure, which in turn benefits other surrounding plants and trees.
Walnut wood is also sought after for its hardness, beauty and durability. It is prized for cabinet-making, top-of-the-range furniture and decorative objects. By introducing walnut into the forest, our foresters are diversifying the species and are developing a resource of high economic quality.
The Common walnut prefers temperate climates, with cold winters but no prolonged frosts. Ideal growing temperatures are between 12 and 20°C, but it can tolerate winter temperatures down to around -25°C once mature.
Its water requirements are relatively high, especially when young trees are being established and during periods of active growth. Irrigation is often necessary in the event of prolonged drought. However, it does not tolerate excess water, hence the importance of well-drained soil.
Common walnut is susceptible to a number of diseases, including bacteriosis (black spots) andanthracnose, which affect leaves and fruit. Good spacing between trees to ensure good air circulation and avoid excess humidity helps to reduce the risks.
The wood of Common walnut is widely used in cabinetmaking to make top-of-the-range furniture. Its fine grain, patterns and dark brown colour with varying shades make it an ideal choice for elegant, durable furniture.
Walnut veneer is particularly popular for covering surfaces or furniture because of its refined aesthetic. The wood is sliced into thin sheets to cover other woods, allowing its luxurious appearance to be enjoyed with less material.
Although its cost and rarity make it a rare choice for large structures, wood from Common walnut is used for certain frameworks or beams in buildings where aesthetics and durability are preferred. Its mechanical properties make it a robust and durable wood.
The ancient Greeks saw the Common walnut as a tree sacred to Athena, goddess of wisdom, reinforcing its association with knowledge and intelligence.
The Common walnut also has a mystical and occult dimension in certain cultures, often linked to its large roots that plunge deep into the ground. It is sometimes associated with divination rituals and magical practices.
In Europe, witches were believed to gather around walnut trees, and the tree often featured in legends surrounding occult practices. Perfect for Halloween, isn't it?
Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change?
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