Pterocarya stenoptera (Chinese Wingnut)


Botanical Information

FamilyJuglandaceae
GenusPterocarya
Speciesstenoptera
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23
Temperature (°F)-10
Height15-20 m
Spread12-20 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

ShapePendulous branching
PropagationPropagates readily from seed that has received approximately three months of cold moist stratification. Germination is epigeal and typically requires a little more than ten days. The first true (pinnately compound) leaves appear after the seedling reaches a height of ~6 cm. The young seedlings do well under half-shade and a temperature of ~18ºC (64ºF). P. stenoptera can also be propagated by cuttings.
CultivationChinese Wingnut grows quickly in full sun and moist soil, and is ideally located beside a stream or pond. The trees are tolerant of clay, wind, drought, and compacted soil once the trees have become well established. Any necessary pruning should be done in the summer to prevent the bleeding which occurs in spring or winter.
HabitatSoutheast China
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark on the trunk is similar to P. fraxinifolia, but is smoother.
Leaf DescriptionThe foliage is dense, though it can be thinned by pruning. The alternate deciduous leaves are pinnately compound, bearing odd numbers of elliptic-oblong pinnately-veined leaflets with serrate margins.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruits develop in the summer on 2.5 dm long catkins, hanging from the distinctly differently textured green foliage. The fruiting catkins are frequently considered desirable from a landscaping perspective.

Photographs