Chinese wingnut

Overview

Chinese wingnut (Pterocarya stenoptera) is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan, growing up to 25m tall and 25cm in diameter. Its bark is grayish-brown and scaly. The leaves are 6-15cm in length, oblong to elliptic, and double toothed on the serrated margins. The flowers are monoecious, small and yellow-green in color, blooming from May-October. The fruit is an oval, winged nut, hence its name. The nut has edible, sweet-tasting, oily kernels, which can be eaten raw or roasted. Chinese wingnut is used in an ornamental capacity due to its stunning fall foliage, light green male catkins, and the large nuts that hang from the branches. It is best grown in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Care Guide