Hortiforum

General Info – Andean Walnut, Colombian Walnut, Nogal, Cedro Negro, Cedro Nogal

A subtropical walnut thriving in consistently mild temperatures throughout the year, the Andean Walnut stands out for its ability to produce nutritious, flavourful nuts without the requirement for chill hours or tropical conditions. Andean Walnuts closely resemble their more famous relative of the Persian or English Walnut, featuring a large outer green layer beneath which rests the black shell containing the edible nut. While the nuts can be challenging to extract from their hard shells, Andean Walnuts serve as an excellent substitute in subtropical climates with minimal chill hours, showcasing an impressive capacity to bear fruit within just five years and with prolific yields.
Originating from the high-altitude, montane forests of the Andes, the Andean Walnut naturally gravitates towards regions with consistent mild temperatures and minimal temperature variations. While these conditions are naturally found in the subtropical highlands of the Andes, they can also be replicated in mild, warm temperate climates. These trees thrive with abundant year-round rainfall, requiring a moist, fertile loam soil and a sheltered position shielded from strong winds.
Similar to other members of the Juglans genus, the Andean Walnut may exhibit partial allelopathy, and its dense canopy inhibits the growth of plants in its understory. This characteristic may make it less suitable for layered food forest designs, but it excels as an outstanding shade tree. Andean Walnuts develop into attractive shade trees, soaring to heights of 30-40m, featuring a spreading crown and grooved, brown bark. The timber, known as Nogal, is highly prized in its native environment for its durability and rich, dark chocolate colour. Unfortunately, due to logging for its valuable wood, the Andean Walnut faces threats in its native habitat.
Despite these challenges, Andean Walnuts prove to be an excellent choice for very low chill climates, showcasing both productivity and a rapid bearing period for seedlings.

Plant Profile/Properties