21. (Juglans nigra x J. california) x (Juglans regia x J. hendsii), Royal Paradox Walnut

 

 (Juglans nigra x J. california) x (Juglans regia x J. hendsii), Royal Paradox Walnut seedling

Royal Paradox lanceolate leaflets and imparipinnate leaf

 

21. Royal Paradox Walnut, (Juglans nigra x J. californica) x (Juglans x J. hindsii)

Artist’s Note:

Burbank’s work with walnuts persists in plant breeding today. In his quest for larger, fast-growing, soft-shelled nuts and walnut lumber, he crossbred and selected many varieties of walnut trees. The California, the Persian, the Japanese and the Eastern black walnut were the parents of his hybrids. 

These stately trees at LBH&G remind us that this arboretum is based on the work of a founding father of horticulture. The art and science of growing and propagating plants has been immensely enriched by his experiments. Today, we have much to thank him for in the quantity and varieties of foods, garden ornamentals. and trees that he developed. It all began with his first humble potato improvement. 

Drawing this rare Royal Paradox seedling, I could not help thinking how few have ever geminated and what an unusual specimen it is. 

Vulgo: Royal Paradox Walnut

 

Name: (Juglans nigra x J. californica) x (Juglans x J. hindsii)

Family: Juglandaceae

Habit: Tree

Height: 60 ft (18 M)

Native to: Hybrid 

 

Leaf type: Imparipinnate

 

Shape: Lanceolate

 

Tip: Acute

 

Margin: Entire

 

Venation: Pinnate

 

Surface: Smooth

 

Leaflet size: 3 in (8 cm) Leaf size: 1 ft (30 cm)

 

Arrangement: Opposite