Walnut tree

Eastern Redbud tree: 2 years old - current height 70-100 cm

Common Names: Eastern Redbud, American/Canadian Judas Tree, Mexican/Texas Redbud
Scientific name: Cercis canadensis
Family: Fabaceae

Plant history & use:

This variety of Judas Tree originates from North America. When the American Judas Tree was discovered by the Spanish in the second half of the 16th century, it was compared to the Judas Tree from the Mediterranean region (Cercis siliquastrum) which they already knew - it is also the tree we most commonly refer to when we say Judas Tree here in the European region. The main differences are that the American Judas Tree has pointed leaves and is slightly smaller in adult size and is more cold hardy - compare C. canadensis ' USDA zones 4-9 with C. siliquastrum's USDA zones 6-10. C. canadensis should also be more suited to moist environments/soils than many other species in the genus.

Blooms in March-April with bright pink flowers on the bare trunk, then also on the main trunk of the tree, which is often very eye-catching. Flowering is said to be strongly controlled by the extent of the previous winter. After harsh winters the Judas Tree blooms more profusely, after milder winters less so.

The flowers can be eaten raw or pickled. They have a refreshing sour taste and are rich in vitamin C. Exciting addition to a salad.

Unopened flower buds can also be pickled or put in like Capers.

Native American tribes in North America covered the ripe seed pods with glowing coals, then peeled and ate the roasted seeds. I assume a modern way to do this is to simply separate the seeds from the pod and roast the seeds over the stove or in the oven to make them ready to eat. Some sources claim to have soaked and boiled the seeds like lentils, which are also a pea plant.

The fruits are rich in protein like other plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). Dry seeds contain about 25% protein, 8% fat and 3% minerals of various kinds. To be an unrefined (and wild in North America) source of nutrition this is quite good, nutritionally it competes with both Pecan and Walnut. The seed pods remain on the tree for a long time - they are available from late summer right through to winter - and are considered acceptable for consumption during this period. However, the seed pods can sometimes be found remaining until the spring of the following year, whether they are fit for consumption then or not is not stated. For the aforementioned reasons, the seeds of C. canadensis are considered a useful source of survival food.

The young, green and brittle seed pods can be eaten like sugar snap peas - steam them, boil them or stir-fry them. They fit well in a wok with, for example, onions, garlic, paprika and leafy vegetables. The leaves can be eaten as well - younger, brittle leaves are recommended.

Tea made from the inner bark has been used to reduce fever etc. Cold brewing of roots and inner bark has been used in old folk medicine to treat whooping cough.

Diligent in attracting pollinators with its profuse flowering. Considered a good tree for honey bees.

The tree also has many other applications within North American Indian culture. A story about Judas and how he gave the tree its international name is easy to find for those interested in reading.

Cultivation:

Even though the American Judas Tree is considered better suited to moist soils than other species in the genus, it prefers not to grow in excessively wet soils with a high clay content. It thrives best in slightly sandier clay soils.

Likes to grow in a sunny position, also does well in light shade.

The American Judas tree is a fast-growing tree that often lives up to 80 years old.

Flowers appear in March-April on the previous year's growth.

The American Judas tree is one of the few species in the pea family that does not fix nitrogen via its roots from air pores in the soil.

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Location: sun / light shade
Height: 6-10 m
USDA zone: 4-9

1st Turkish Tree Hazel: 3 years old - current height 80-100 cm

Common names: Turkish Hazel, Tree Hazel, Turkish Tree Hazel
Scientific name: Corylus colurna
Family: Betulaceae

Plant history & use:

Turkish Hazel is a tree-shaped hazel with a thick trunk and pyramidal crown. Native to Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia - the tree is found growing wild in the region from the Balkans, to northern Turkey, to northern Iran.

It is a fast-growing tree that is hardy in exposed environments, e.g. urban environments. The Turkish hazel grows about 20-30 meters high and often has a straight, continuous trunk with more or less horizontal branches.

Turkish Hazel produces edible hazelnuts that sit inside fluffy balls. The nuts are smaller than those of the more common hazel - Corylus avellana - but they have a thicker shell, which makes the Turkish hazelnut more resistant to hungry pests of various kinds - e.g.

weevils, birds & squirrels - which are otherwise a big problem when growing common hazel, C. avellana .

Turkish Hazel can live for over 200 years.

Culture:

Turkish Hazel is a fast-growing tree that is resistant to drought, wind, heat and cold once established. However, the optimal environment is a place with full sun and a moist, well-drained soil. However, it also grows well in heavy clay soils and sandy soils.

The tree can withstand winter temperatures down to -25ºC.

Nuts ripen in October-November.

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 20-30 m
Growing zone: 1-5

1 Pecan Tree: 2 years old - current height: 40 cm

Pecan tree seedling with strong root system.

The plant is sent safely and securely packed with shock-absorbing packaging. The plant is delivered without a pot.

Note. that trees ordered during the winter months lack foliage.

2 trees are recommended for good pollination.

Common names : Pecan tree, Pekan hickory, Pekan nut, Pekan
Scientific name : Carya illinoinensis
Family : Juglandaceae

Plant history & use :

The pecan, with an antioxidant content higher than any other so-called "tree nut", is one of the most popular nuts on the market. The pecan tree originates from North America where the USA and Mexico together account for over 90% of global pecan production. The nut is similar to the continental walnut, but is more oblong and has a smooth shell and a completely different aroma.

The pecan contains abundant amounts of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron as well as Omega-6 fats.

The nuts contain monounsaturated fats and its well-known benefits for good health are many.

Pecans can, for example, be used to make a crispy cover for oven-roasted fillets, fill oven-baked peppers with, spice up a salad, sprinkle on ice cream or simply eat as is. A handful of nuts per day is the recommended daily intake.

Cultivation :

The pecan tree grows in its natural environment along stream and river banks where the tree can extend its roots deep into the soil. In their natural habitat, pecan trees often eventually become the tallest and largest trees in the area. They can reach an age of up to 300 years.

Thrives best in sunny locations in a light sandy soil with good drainage. Planted in a deep pot the first few years or directly into the ground. Plenty of room for the roots to reach deep is important to create a strong and healthy tree.

Mix compost or stable manure into the top soil layer. Cover the base of the trunk with some type of covering material, such as wood chips or grass clippings, to prevent the emergence of weeds and thus competition for the newly established tree.

Plant trees at least 15 meters apart, to give space for their natural growth.

Water abundantly the first years of establishment.

The tree is ready for harvest after 3-8 years.

Nuts ripen in late autumn. Harvest when the tree has spontaneously let the nuts fall to the ground.

Properties :

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 20-40 m
Growing zone: approx. 1-7
Harvest age: 3-8 years

1 Sweet Chestnut Tree: 4 years old - current height: 100-125 cm

Note. that trees ordered during the winter months lack foliage.

True chestnuts are self-pollinating - only 1 tree is needed for fruiting.

Common names : Sweet Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut, Real Chestnut, Edible Chestnut
Scientific name : Castanea sativa
Family : Fagaceae

Plant history & use:

Genuine chestnuts have existed in European history for several thousand years. From Roman times it began to spread to the more northern parts of Europe - then often cultivated by monks in monastery gardens.

It is the chestnut brown shiny nuts that are consumed. Nuts are nutritious and have historically even competed with today's most common grains. It was then a flour ground from the chestnuts that was used abundantly - possible thanks to the nuts' rich content of starch, something that is otherwise unusual among nuts.

A more modern widespread way of enjoying the nuts is to roast them together with butter and salt, this is common both around the Mediterranean region and in England (with or without butter). Roasted nuts have a flavor reminiscent of sweet potatoes.

The tree has a beautiful and majestic growth like the oak. However, the real chestnut grows faster than the oak.

In their natural environment, down in southern Europe, the trees can live for over 2000 years.

Cultivation :

Thrives best in a warm and wind-protected location in a sunny location. Grow in well-drained, loamy soil. Feel free to mix grass clippings, compost or stable manure into the top soil layer.

Thrives in slightly acidic soil - optimal pH value is between 4.5-6.

Does not thrive in particularly wet soils.

Water abundantly the first years of establishment.

The tree usually yields after 3-5 years. The nuts are usually ready to harvest around Sep-Oct.

Properties :

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 20-35 m
Growing zone: 1-2
Harvest age: 3-5 years

1 Torreya Nut Tree: 2 years old - current height: 40-60 cm

Common names : Torreya Nut, Japanese Torreya, Kaya Nut, Japanese Nutmeg-Yew
Scientific name : Torreya nucifera
Family : Taxaceae

Plant history & use:

Japanese Torreya, or Torreya nut, originates from Japan where it is used in the same way T. grandis is used in China - nuts are roasted and eaten or pressed for their vitamin-rich oil. The wood is also used for special purposes - read below...

The wood from the Japanese Torreya is considered to be the most valuable wood for making the boards and pieces for the game Go . The wood is appreciated thanks to its beautiful yellow-gold color, fine and uniform ring structure and the specific sound of the click of a stone (piece) against its surface.

The tree is protected in Japan due to its scarcity due to previous over-harvesting. Only the ancient (200-800 years old) Japanese Torreya trees are considered suitable for making the thick Go boards - making them highly prized. The finest boards can cost over $19,000.

The wood is also considered to be resistant to contact with water. Water buckets are made from the wood.

It is also a traditional medicinal plant in Korea where the nuts are highly valued for their antiparasitic properties. Even in modern times, the tree has been used successfully in scientific research where several plant parts such as leaves - and nuts - are considered to have an inhibitory effect on the replication of viruses. (Please do your own research if you are interested.)

The oil from pressed nuts is burned during meditation in Japanese Buddhism.

The nuts are described as having a pleasant, sweet and slightly resinous, aromatic taste.

To top it all, the tree is very beautiful when it has grown to its size, it takes on a classic and awe-inspiring appearance with age.

Culture:

The Torreya nut grows 15-25 meters high and can have a wide trunk of 1.5 meters in diameter.

Thrives in most soils, preferably on the more acidic (pH) and moist side. Does not like to stand in places exposed to strong winds, so a more sheltered position is recommended. Thrives in places with high humidity, or in moist soil along a river bank. similar. Grow in partial shade.

Hardy down to -18ºC.

Most individuals seem to have both male and female flowers - which are needed to produce fruit. However, each individual seems to lean towards having a significant majority of either male or female flowers. So certainly one individual should be sufficient for the production of nuts, although production would probably have benefited in the presence of two individuals.

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: partial shade
Height: 15-25 m
Growing zone: approx. 1-3

1 Ginkgo tree: 3 years old - current height: 80-100 cm

Common Names : Ginkgo, Chinese Temple Tree , Maidenhair Tree
Scientific name : Ginkgo biloba
Family : Ginkgoaceae

Plant history & use:

The ginkgo is a unique tree. It is the last living species in its order: Ginkgoales, which first arose over 290 million years ago. The tree is very similar to the ancient trees from which it originated. Its closest relatives today are cone palms and conifers.

The tree was cultivated early in human history and is still widely planted. It is considered a living fossil. The trees are very long-lived, with some specimens estimated to be around 1500 years old.

Both seeds and leaves are edible. Ginkgo leaves have long been regarded for their reported positive effects on cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration.

The seeds are used both in ground form in Asian rice porridges ( congee ), and roasted and salted to be eaten as a healthy snack with other dishes and drinks.

Full description on the way...

Culture:

Full description on the way...

Features:

Year: Perennial
Growing position: partial shade
Height: 15-35 m
Growing zone: 1-3

1 tree Real Walnut: current height 60-80 cm

IN-STORE PICKUP ONLY

Image is an example only and does not represent exact size of tree.

Common name: Real Walnut
Scientific name: Juglans regia
Family: Juglandaceae

Plant history & use:

Full description on the way...

Culture:

Full description on the way...

Features:

Year: Perennial
Growing position: sun
Height: 12-30 meters
Growing zone: 1-2

Breadfruit: current height 25-30 cm

Common name : Breadfruit, Monkey tree
Scientific name : Araucaria araucana
Family : Araucaria

Plant history & use :

Breadfruit, also called Monkey Tree, is a hardy conifer from southern Chile that eventually produces edible nuts, similar to pine nuts.

Cultivation :

Full description coming soon...

Features :

Year: Perennial
Growing position: sun
Height: 30-40 m
Growing zone: 1-2

Breadfruit: current height 25-30 cm

Common name : Breadfruit, Monkey tree
Scientific name : Araucaria araucana
Family : Araucaria

Plant history & use :

Breadfruit, also called Monkey Tree, is a hardy conifer from southern Chile that eventually produces edible nuts, similar to pine nuts.

Cultivation :

Full description coming soon...

Features :

Year: Perennial
Growing position: sun
Height: 30-40 m
Growing zone: 1-2