Trees of Big Sur and the Santa Lucia Mountains of Central California
California Walnut Juglans californica var. hindsii
These deciduous single-trunk trees can grow for 45 to 80 tall (maximum height of over 110 feet). They are most often found along rivers and creeks. They occur where both early settlers and native peoples lived giving rise to speculation that they may have been planted in many locations by humans. The leaves are pinnately compound with 11-21 pointed leaflets. A relatively rare tree in the wild along the central coast.
This 75 foot tree grows along a river near to Esselen Indian village sites. It is surrounded by other associated riparian plants — Black Cottonwood, Alder, and Willow.
Pinnately compound leaves with narrow pointed (lancate) shaped leaflets.
Fruit is 1-1/2 inches in diameter, round, with a smooth husk.
The bark of mature trees have medium furrows and medium gray bark.
The same tree as in top photo but in late December.