Distinct variety of black walnut tree

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of black walnut tree (Juglans nigra L.) which is distinctly characterized by average growth rate, very strong central stem tendency, earlier than average in time of leafing, and excellent straightness (little sweep and few crooks) thereby producing excellent timber qualities. The new variety has outstanding nut qualities as well, such as abundant annual crops of small nuts, begins nut-bearing early in life of tree, average 3 to 4 nuts per cluster, and produces kernels which exceed about eighteen (18) percent of nut weight. The nuts are small and ripen late. The pistillate flowers mature very late while pollen maturity is very early. There is no overlap in female and male flowering. Flowering begins very early in the life of the tree. This new variety of black walnut tree was discovered by the applicant near Huron in Lawrence County, Ind., in a cultivated area. It occurred as a wild tree growing on land managed for timber-growing purposes and was discovered in the course of a search for unique and high quality black walnut trees to be utilized in breeding for outstanding timber producing potential. This selection has been designated as BW44 in records maintained on the performance of grafts made from the original selection and will be known henceforth as Lawrence-2.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of black walnut tree substantially as illustrated and described which has excellent timber quality, average in growth rate, has strong central stem tendency, little sweep, few crooks; earlier than average in time of leafing, pistillate flowers very late, pollen sheds very early, produces abundant annual crops of small nuts; averages 3 to 4 per cluster, the percentage of weight of kernel to nut averages approximately 18.8 percent; nut bearing begins early in life of tree.