European walnut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameJuglans regia
Trade / common nameEuropean walnut
FamilyJuglandaceae
RegionWestern Asia · Southern Europe · Eastern Asia · Western Europe · Southern Asia · Central Asia · South-eastern Asia · Northern Europe
Distribution
Native to the Carpathian Mountains of eastern Europe, but often found growing wild eastward to Himalayas and China. Widely cultivated throughout this region and elsewhere in temperate zone of the Old and New World. Thrives in temperate Himalayas from 1,000 to 3,000 m altitude. In North America, thrives as far north as New York State. Introduced from Spain by way of Chile to California about 1867. In 1873 'Kaghazi' was introduced in northern California and a seedling 'Eureka' has become the important source of our commercial varieties. Thrives on rich, sandy loam, well-drained, slightly acid or neutral.
Uses
Baskets, Bedroom suites, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Food containers, Furniture , Furniture, Gunstocks, Joinery, Living-room suites, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Paneling, Poles, Rifle stock, Sporting Goods, Tables, Toys, Turnery, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
🇦🇿Azerbaijan
native
🇧🇦Bosnia and Herzegovina
historical
🇨🇳China
historical
🇭🇷Croatia
historical
🇫🇷France
captured
🇬🇷Greece
historical
🇮🇳India
historical
🇮🇷Iran
historical
🇮🇶Iraq
native
🇮🇹Italy
historical
🇯🇵Japan
historical
🇰🇬Kyrgyzstan
introduced
🇱🇧Lebanon
historical
🇲🇲Myanmar
historical
🇲🇰North Macedonia
historical
🇵🇰Pakistan
historical
🇸🇮Slovenia
historical
🇨🇭Switzerland
captured
🇹🇯Tajikistan
introduced
🇹🇷Türkiye
historical
🇹🇲Turkmenistan
introduced
🇬🇧United Kingdom
captured
🇺🇿Uzbekistan
introduced
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
European walnut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
European walnut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
European walnut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
European walnut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Red
Brown
Pink
Purple
Greenish to greyish
Dark brown
Black
Pale red to pink
Greyish brown
Contains dark streaks
Wood at the central portion of trees are often clearly distinct from the normal heartwood. This phenomenon occurs in timber with wavy grain. The color is reported to bleach because of the action of UV light and requires inhibitors in finishes.
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Brown
Yellow
Paler than heartwood
Well defined
White to yellow
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Medium
High
Low
Slightly lustrous
Pronounced
Lustrous
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Baskets, Bedroom suites, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Food containers, Furniture , Furniture, Gunstocks, Joinery, Living-room suites, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Paneling, Poles, Rifle stock, Sporting Goods, Tables, Toys, Turnery, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes
Product Sources
European walnut is very limited in availability, and can be obtained only in the form of veneer. It is typically priced in the expensive range.
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.