Caucasian Wingnut
A magnificent, fast-growing deciduous tree, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, commonly known as the Caucasian Wingnut, brings dramatic scale and interest to water margins and expansive landscapes. This statuesque species stands out immediately due to its enormous pinnate foliage, which closely resembles that of an ash tree but on a larger scale. The glossy, deep green leaves can measure up to 45cms in length, forming a dense, low-sweeping canopy that casts deep shade. In early Summer, the tree unveils large hanging catkins of small green flowers, each cascading down up to 50cms. These blossoms quickly mature into long chains of small, winged green nuts that resemble delicate, beaded necklaces draped throughout the canopy. As the seasons shift into Autumn, this heavy drapery and the large leaves transition into a soft shade of buttery yellow, before dropping to reveal a trunk with deeply furrowed, grey, criss-crossing bark plates. True to its riverbank heritage, the Caucasian Wingnut loves damp ground and exhibits outstanding resilience across Irish landscapes, handling heavy clay and seasonal waterlogging with ease. It establishes a broad, powerful root system that anchors it against strong winter gales, though it has a strong tendency to produce a thicket of leafy suckers around the base of the trunk which can be easily mown over or left to form a wild, multi-stemmed colony.
Site: Tolerates some exposure,
Soil: Flourishes in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soils; thrives perfectly in heavy clay and waterlogged ground
Position: Full sun, partial Shade
Season of Interest: Luxurious green foliage through Summer; dangling chains of winged nuts from June through Autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 60 ft+ (18m+) Spread: 50ft (15m)
