Juglans x bisbyi - Buartnut

Family:	Juglandaceae
Habit:	Tree
Height:	20
Synonyms:
Range:	A hybrid of garden origin, J. cinerea x J. ailanthifolia cordiformis.

Juglans x bisbyi (Buartnut) is a Tree which grows to a height of 20m . It has a hardness rating of 4.
Buartnut will flower in November to December. The flowers from this plant are monoecious (both sexes are found on the plant but each flower is either male or female) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Buartnut will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Buartnut prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Buartnut should not be planted in shady areas.

Not known in the wild.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Is suited as a canopy tree

Cultivation Details

Requires a deep well-drained loam and a sunny position sheltered from strong winds[1, 11]. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil[200]. Plants produce a deep taproot and they are intolerant of root disturbance[1, 11]. Seedlings should be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible and given some protection for their first winter or two since they are somewhat tender when young[1, 11]. Flower initiation depends upon suitable conditions in the previous summer[200]. The flowers and young growths can be destroyed by even short periods down to -2°c, but fortunately plants are usually late coming into leaf[200]. Any pruning should only be carried out in late summer to early autumn or when the plant is fully dormant otherwise wounds will bleed profusely and this will severely weaken the tree[200]. Trees have a dense canopy which tends to reduce plant growth below them. We have no specific information for this species, but the roots of several members of this genus produce substances that are toxic to many plant species, especially apples (Malus species), members of the Ericaceae, Potentilla spp and the white pines (certain Pinus spp.)[200]. The leaves of many species also secrete substances that have an inhibitory affect on plants growing underneath them. All in all this is not a very good companion plant[K]. A hybrid, J. cinerea x J. ailanthifolia cordiformis, it is sometimes cultivated for its edible seed, there are some named varieties[183]. This hybrid combines the best qualities of each parent[200] - the aromatic kernel flavour and superior climatic adaptability of J. cinerea with the higher yields, better appearance and crackability of J. ailanthifolia cordiformis[183].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
Seed - raw[183]. The shell is thin and the seed well-flavoured[183, 200]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it tends to go rancid quickly.

• Oil -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual deep pots in a cold frame[80]. You need to protect it from mice, birds, squirrels etc. The seed usually germinates in late winter or the spring. Plant out the seedlings into their permanent positions in early summer and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two. The seed can also be stored in cool moist conditions (such s the salad compartment of a fridge) over the winter and sown in early spring but it may then require a period of cold stratification before it will germinate[78, 80, 113]. This is a hybrid species and so it might not breed true from seed.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

Plants produce chemicals which can inhibit the growth of other plants. These chemicals are dissolved out of the leaves when it rains and are washed down to the ground below, reducing the growth of plants under the tree[18, 20, 159]. The roots of many members of this genus produce substances that are toxic to many plant species, especially apples (Malus species), members of the Ericaceae, Potentilla spp and the white pines (certain Pinus spp.)[200].

• Herbicide - Plants or plant extracts that can inhibit the growth of other plants.

Cultivars

'Barney' - A large nut with a kernel of good quality, it resembles J. cinerea but has a smoother shell[183]. The seed is difficult to remove from the shell[183]. Ripens earlier than most walnuts[183]. A very hardy and productive tree, it grows rapidly and fruits well in north-west N. America[183].
'Butterheart' - A heart-shaped nut with a rich sweet kernel that has no trace of bitterness[183]. It cracks out into half or whole kernels[183]. The ornamental tree is very winter hardy and bears early. It requires a pollinator[183].
'Corsan' - A full round nut[183]. A vigorous productive tree[183].
'Fioka' - The seed has the flavour of J. cinerea[183]. It is a good size (120 seeds to the kilo, 24% of which is kernel) with a hard shell that cracks well[183]. A vigorous extremely hardy tree, it bears annually[183]. Grafts well onto J. nigra rootstocks[183].
'Mitchell' - The nut is intermediate between the parents, it has a spiny shell, cracks easily and tastes like J. cinerea[183]. The tree is slightly protogynous, but is probably self-fertile in most years[183]. It grows well in south-west Canada[183].
'Pierce' - The nuts grow in clusters of 10 - 15 and have good cracking qualities[183]. An extremely hardy tree, it grows where J. ailanthifolia cordiformis is not hardy[183]. Very vigorous, it has been known to reach 6 metres in 5 years and to be bearing heavy crops by then[183].

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.