Black walnut tree

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of black walnut tree (Juglans nigra L.) which is distinctly characterized by rapid growth rate, fairly strong central stem tendency, slightly earlier than average in time of leafing, and fair straightness thereby producing fair to good timber qualities. The new variety has fair nut bearing qualities. Nut crops are biennial and heavy in some years. Nut-bearing begins early in life of tree, average 2 nuts per cluster, and produces kernels which exceed about fifteen (15) percent of nut weight. The nuts are small and ripen late. The pistillate flowers mature mid-season while pollen maturity is very early to mid-season. In most years there is some overlap in female and male flowering. Flowering begins early in the life of the tree. This new variety of black walnut tree was discovered by the applicant near Bentonville in Fayette 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 BW109 in records maintained on the performance of grafts made from the original selection and will be known henceforth as Fayette-1.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of black walnut tree substantially as illustrated and described, which has fair to good timber quality, is fast growing, has fairly strong central stem tendency; earlier than average in time of leafing, pistillate flowers mid-season, pollen sheds early to mid-season, produces biennial crops of small nuts; averages 2 per cluster, the percentage of weight of kernel to nut averages approximately 15 percent; nut bearing begins early in life of tree.