tree

Heartnut

Juglans ailantifolia

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Heartnut (Juglans ailantifolia) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Black locust, Autumn olive.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Shadedense

Companions

Keep apart from

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 10°C.
floweringFlowering occurs shortly after leaf emergence, usually within two to three weeks.
fruitingFruit development follows flowering, with nuts maturing over the summer months.
harvestNuts are typically ready for harvest in late September to October, often after the first light frosts which help with hull splitting.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the onset of shorter days and the first autumn frosts.
dormancyThe tree enters dormancy after leaf drop, requiring a period of cold temperatures to fulfill its chill requirement for the following spring.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatesmagnesium, potassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy loam, clay loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, grafting
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationcold_moist
Self-seedingLight
Divisionnot_applicable

Wildlife & pests

Attractssquirrels, birds
Can host pestswalnut husk fly, codling moth
Can host diseaseswalnut blight, anthracnose