Juglans major (Juglans microcarpa var. major)
Arizona walnut, Arizona butternut, Black walnut, Nogal
Juglandaceae – Walnut Family
Description
Canyon walnut is a hard wood deciduous tree, not unlike in form and character Black walnut (Juglans nigra) of the east. The mature tree can reach 50 feet in height and develop an impressively broad canopy. The trunk can span several feet in width; the bark is dark and becomes deeply fissured with age. Canyon walnut’s leaves are composed of 5-7 pairs of large, lanceolate, serrated leaflets with one terminating the bunch. This monoecious tree has male and female flowers separated into different groupings. The staminate flowers hang catkin-like, while the pistillate flowers, once pollinated, form into the fruits. As the fruit or walnut matures the skin around the hull turns from green to brownish-black. The whole plant has a unique pungency, particularly when the leaves or fruits are bruised. In the spring, when Canyon walnut is young and is beginning to leaf out, it looks very similar to Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra). Often the two plants can be found growing next to each other in mountainous drainages. The typical walnut family smell is a definite give away, helping plant people ascertain what plant is what.
Distribution
Canyon walnut is found along waterways and in canyons throughout central and southeastern Arizona. In New Mexico, it is predominant along the Gila River and southern Rio Grande Drainages; it is also found in isolative pockets in the southern part of the state. The tree as well can be found in southwestern Texas. Juglans californica, a closely allied species is found in drainage areas among foothills and valleys in warmer coastal-inland California.
Chemistry
Juglone, a-hydrojuglone and b-hydrojuglone, ellagic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acids, and germacrene d
Medicinal Uses
In small, therapeutic doses, Canyon walnut is tonifying and soothing to the gastrointestinal tract, particularly to the large and small intestines. It quiets gastritis, irritative diarrhea and intestinal inflammation with associated ileocecal irritation. Use the tea or tincture where through chronic intestinal derangement there is nutrient malabsorption, particularly of fats, creating an overall deficient intestinal state. Canyon walnut is moderately antispasmodic, which calls for its use when there are intestinal cramps with flatulence. Internal use of the plant also clears the skin of acne-like eruptions particularly when there is fat malabsorption dependent on consuming rich foods to excess.
In larger doses, Canyon walnut is laxative and is indicated in constipation where there is liver sluggishness. Equally, there is need for the plant if constipation easily ensues if attention is not diligently maintained in keeping the bowels regular. Constrictive respiratory disturbances and chronic inflammatory issues sometimes are benefited by Canyon walnut through its tonifying effect on intestinal walls.
Although not systemically useful in limiting Candida infections, Canyon walnut can be helpful in abating the issue if limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Even though this plant is somewhat antifungal, berberine-containing plants such as Desert barberry or Oregon grape are more so, making Canyon walnut or Black walnut over-rated in this area.
Sometimes recommended in diminishing fungal infections, the fresh plant applied topically, as a poultice, whether from the green hulls, bark or leaves is rather caustic and can cause redness and blistering in even short exposures. Canyon walnut’s juglone content is largely responsible for this. When the fresh plant is crushed larger juglone-like complexes are oxidized and broken down to juglone, which is responsible for the resulting brown pigmentation and characteristic smell.
Indications
GI tract inflammation with attending diarrhea or constipation
Nutrient/lipid malabsorption
Intestinal cramps
Candida albicans infection, GI tract involvement
Collection
Collect the green leaves when available; the hulls of the fruit should be harvested when they are just starting to turn brown. Depending on the locale and elevation of the tree, this can take place anywhere from May to August. Collect the bark in long strips from secondary branches with little thickened-outward bark. Be aware that juglone makes a nice, brown stain, that when on the skin does not remove well with soap and water.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Leaf infusion/bark, rind decoction: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
Cautions
Do not use during pregnancy or topically on abraded or sensitive tissues.
Other Uses
The kernels of the ripe fruits, although smaller than English and Black walnut, are tasty. As a stain or dye, the tincture or tea may be only rivaled by Desert rhubarb in its impermeability.