Plant Details

Juglans ailantifolia, Juglans ailantifolia cordiformis

Heartseed Walnut

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Juglans ailantifolia, Juglans ailantifolia cordiformis.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Heartseed Walnut
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Japanse walnoot
French
  • Noyer de Mandchourie
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Juglans ailantifolia, Juglans ailantifolia cordiformis
Documented heartnut name (RHS): Juglans ailantifolia var. cordiformis View name reference ↗

The catalogue explicitly describes heartnut. RHS documents the cordiformis variety; the narrower heartnut identity is retained even where Kew uses a broader walnut treatment.

Sources [2]
Botanical family: Juglandaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Juglans (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Heartseed Walnut

Plant characteristics

Layer: Nut tree
Catalogue size class: Large
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-8
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Oil, Seed
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Dye, Oil, Wood, Carbon farming, Herbicide

Description

Seeds can be eaten both raw and cooked, and they are often used in candies and pastries due to their mild and pleasant flavor. They can be eaten in large quantities as a dessert because the shell is thin and easy to crack. These seeds are considered superior in taste compared to C. ailanthifolia. Edible oil can be extracted from the seeds, although it tends to go rancid quickly. Young buds and stems of this plant can also be cooked and eaten.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/10
Harvest ends: 15/11

Crown

Crown shape: Broad pyramidal
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 36332; name ID 2331809; Juglans L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Horticultural Society Juglans ailantifolia var. cordiformis
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The catalogue explicitly describes heartnut. RHS documents the cordiformis variety; the narrower heartnut identity is retained even where Kew uses a broader walnut treatment.

    Source checked on .