Juglans microcarpa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juglans microcarpa |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Buds | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Juglans
|
| Species: |
microcarpa
|
 |
|
| Natural range of Juglans microcarpa | |
The Juglans microcarpa, often called the little walnut or Texas walnut, is a fascinating plant. It can be a large shrub or a small tree, usually growing about 10 to 30 feet tall. This plant is a type of "black walnut." You can find it growing naturally in places like Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. It loves to grow along streams and in ravines.
Contents
About the Little Walnut Tree
The little walnut tree produces small nuts. These nuts are usually about 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide. Even though they are tiny, the seeds inside are safe to eat!
What the Leaves Look Like
The leaves of the little walnut are quite interesting. They are called pinnately compound leaves. This means each leaf is made up of many smaller leaflets. A single leaf can have anywhere from 7 to 25 of these small leaflets. Each leaflet is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Their edges can be smooth or have very tiny teeth.
Where the Little Walnut Grows
This plant grows in many different areas. You can find it in places that are 700 feet above sea level all the way up to 6,700 feet high. It prefers areas with good water sources, like near rivers and creeks.
Different Kinds of Little Walnuts
Scientists have found two main types, or varieties, of Juglans microcarpa. They are called J. microcarpa var. microcarpa and J. microcarpa var. stewartii. These varieties are very similar but have small differences.
When Walnuts Mix Together
Sometimes, different types of walnut trees grow close to each other. When the little walnut (J. microcarpa) grows near the J. major tree, they can sometimes mix their genes. This creates new trees that have features from both parents. This mixing also happens when J. microcarpa trees grow near J. nigra trees. It's like having a family with traits from both mom and dad!
What the Name Means
The name Juglans comes from Latin. It means "Jupiter's acorn." Jupiter was a very important god in ancient Roman stories. The second part of the name, microcarpa, also comes from Latin. It means "having small fruit." This name perfectly describes the little walnut and its small nuts!
