Juglans Ailantifolia - Uses

Uses

The edible nuts have an oily texture. The husks are also used to make a yellowish dye.

The very bold, decorative leaves and the attractive catkins produced in spring make it an excellent ornamental tree for planting in parks and large gardens.

• Heartnut in flower

Unlike the closely related and very similar North American Butternut, Japanese Walnut is resistant to the canker disease caused by the fungus Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum. This has led to its being planted as a replacement for Butternuts in North America. The two species hybridise readily; the resulting hybrid Juglans x bixbyi (otherwise known as J. cinera x ailantifolia or 'Buartnut') is also resistant to canker and is likewise planted as a replacement for Butternuts. Japanese Walnut is distinguished from Butternut by its larger leaves and round (not oval) nuts. Prospect Rock Permaculture in Vermont has been backcrossing Buartnuts with native Butternuts, resulting in 'ButterBuarts', which will most likely bear greater resemblance to the Butternut parentage, although may also be more susceptible to the canker.

The wood is light and takes polish well, but is of much lower quality than Persian Walnut wood. It is often used to make furniture.