English walnut trees produce the familiar wrinkled husk nut. They are native to southeast Europe and south east Asia. In English walnut orchards in California, the trees are grafted to California walnut rootstock which gives them greater resistance to fungus diseases. The graft is typically fairly close to ground level. In front of 20 Olive Ave, however, there are two English walnut trees where there are several grafts about ten feet up on the trees allowing for foliage of both species to emerge. Apparently this was the style of grafting that was common in the 40s.

6 grafts, way up high.

In early November the California black walnut leaves have turned yellow and the English walnut leaves are still green.

English walnut

black walnut

English walnut orchard. Photo: S. Foster

In May, the black walnut leaves are fully open and the English walnut leaves are just emerging.