You can enlarge all the photos for better detail and an easier read.
I have always enjoyed an old Black Walnut Tree that is situated not too far away from the old house (now the visitor center). It stands about 100 feet tall. I had to be careful where I walked on the grass and finally chose to go back to the pathway. The seed pods lay everywhere, and they were approximately 2 inches in diameter, many hidden by long grass - bumps and ankle twisters. I also wouldn't like to be under that tree when one fell. Like we wouldn't stand under a tree during a thunderstorm, we shouldn't be standing under trees when we see dozens of seed pods lying on the ground. It made sense to move out of their way. Below you can see Gregg's photo as he holds one. They seem quite dense and heavy.
I think someone had placed the following in a row. Children would be automatically drawn to them, adults too if we are anything to go by.
They will decompose eventually, turn black and leave behind a hard-shelled nut that is edible after processing. If you know enough to do that, you will be rewarded with a nut that is considered a superfood. It has a high protein and healthy fat content, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A great source of polyunsaturated fats, omedga-3s, fiber and manganese, and are linked to benefits like improved heart health. So, there you go, if you know what you are doing, it would be fun to plant a walnut tree, whether it be black walnut or the regular kind. The regular walnut offer overall more antioxidants. Best to read all this yourself, plenty info online, or even ask your doctor or a nutritionist if you would like more info. Interesting website here that shares its health benefits. Maybe you grow them yourselves and can offer some experience.
These trees can last between 200 and up to 250 years old. The productive life for walnut trees producing nuts in orchards is typically much shorter, around 30 to 50 years.
There are 21 species of walnut trees in the world. They are found across the Northern Hemisphere, from Europe and Asia to North and South America. The English walnut is one of the most commercially important species, known for its edible nuts, and another important species is the black walnut as mentioned in my blog post. Black walnut is also prized for its lumber.
I also read that all species of deciduous trees
can grow quite tall, that they have leaves made up of
multiple leaflets, and are also monoecious, meaning
they produce both male and female flowers on the
same tree.
The plant in the photo above called Wingstem. It is native to North America. As I have gone on long
enough about the walnut tree, I figured I would just
leave the link for you to read if you would like to
know more.
And that's where I end this post.
We have lots of the Black Walnut trees here. And they are all over the road. Makes a horrid crunch when our car runs over them!
ReplyDeleteThat’s interesting Ginny, I have only noticed them in this area. I need to start looking elsewhere but I am sure I would have noticed the seeds :)
DeleteGreat photos Denise, loving the skies as well :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you Ananka, much appreciated :)
DeleteNice place to visit. Interesting those black walnuts, Denise.
ReplyDeleteHappy you found it so Margaret, thank you :)
DeleteSeeing this reminds of when I was a child. I went for a walk with my dad on his parents farm and he picked up some of these walnut seed pods and told me all about them.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great memory Ann, thanks for sharing that :)
DeleteI had an acorn fall and hit me on the arm, while bicycling. That left a bruise. I would hate to see what one of these seed pods would do to me!
ReplyDeleteI bet it hurt Linda :0
DeleteI have noticed the seeds in various roads, great post on the Black Walnut tree.
ReplyDeleteTake care Happy Sunday! Have a great week!
Thank you Eileen :) I am happy you enjoyed it. I wish you the same.
DeleteVery interesting information, Denise. You're wise to steer clear of falling walnuts. Acorns are bad enough, but sweet chestnuts are quite noticeable when they land on your head, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice :) I would not want to have one of those dropped on my head either
DeleteWhat a nutty post. 😜😀
ReplyDeleteSmiling here, thanks AC :)
DeleteWe always gathered walnuts as kids...i have a lot to say but not from my phone! So maybe more later.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to that Rose and thank you :)
DeleteNice post happy Sunday
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated Ashok, thank you :)
DeleteLovely Denise
ReplyDeleteReminded me of the walnut tree in my Annie Ma's (maternal grandmother...the first grand child could not say 'gr' so it was Annie Ma)
The grandchildren never EVER no never said they didn't have anything to do at her house. WHY because she would hand us a bucket telling us to fill it up with walnuts
Hugs cecilia
A delightful memory and story of your Annie Ma Cecilia. Thanks for sharing that :) Hugs, Denise xo
DeleteAn interesting article about the walnut tree and the nuts, which are very healthy. I eat them often, including today in a cake!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you've gotten back on track!
Great photos, and those to go with it! hugs Elke
Thank you very much Elke :) I wish I had a slice of cake with walnuts. Sounds delicious! Hugs, Denise xo
DeleteWalnut trees would be new to me. We don't have them here. Thanks for giving a full description of these trees.
ReplyDeleteThat’s interesting Red. You are very welcome and thank you :)
DeleteI love nuts and especailly walnuts and ate them quite often becaue they are a superfood, until IBS cam to visit 6 years ago. I can still eat a small amount of peanuts, boiled not raw, i do miss the walnuts. like that visitor center a lot and the gorgeous trees
ReplyDeleteSorry to know that Sandra :) glad you enjoyed the center and the trees.
DeleteA lovely visit I have so much respect for these old trees.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine and I have the same respect for old trees.
DeleteI never knew that about black walnuts. I can't say I like them (the taste of the done ones) but the trees are pretty!
ReplyDeleteI can’t remember ever eating black walnuts, just the regular ones :)
DeleteThere are black walnut trees here but not on my property. I eat a handful of walnuts everyday.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra :) I do enjoy my handful of walnuts.
DeleteWe have old black walnut trees at the edge of the development. I've used the nuts and shells to make ink and dye -- it's indelible, so you need to look out, not set them down where you don't want a brown color. They're so hard to crack that mainly squirrels get them, so I guess they're well fed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I never would have thought of that. Thanks for the tips Boud :)
DeleteTengo un conocido que tiene un nogal y más de una vez, me ha invitado a llevarme algunas para mi casa.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Qué amable de tu amigo. Es muy generoso. Te deseo una muy feliz semana.
DeleteHappy Sunday Denise ... it's 9.42pm as I type this and I've enjoyed a lovely time today with family ... great fun :)
ReplyDeleteI hope the coming new week will be a good one for you.
All the best Jan
That’s wonderful Jan, sounds like you had a splendid day. I hope the same for you this coming week. All the best to you too my dear friend :)
DeleteI never knew all those things about walnuts! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Rita, I didn’t know either and it was fun to read about them. Thank you!
DeleteBeautiful photos, Denise! Thanks for providing all the information as well, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteAnd hello to you too dear friend :) you are very welcome and thank you :)
DeleteEs un lindo lugar. ten una buena semana.
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias. ¡Que tengas una buena semana también! :)
DeleteThe black walnut pods are interesting. At first I thought they were pairs! That sky photo sure is pretty, Denise.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you, blue skies make great backdrops. I can see why you thought they were pears Sheri, they are quite large and have a similar shape :)
DeleteLooks like you had a good day to get out.
ReplyDeleteWe did, thank you William :)
Delete