Chinese Wingnut
pterocarya stenoptera
Also known as: ["Chinese Wing Nut","Chinese Wing Nut Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to China, known for its distinctive winged fruits and large, pinnate leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Juglandaceae |
| Genus: | Pterocarya |
| Botanical Name: | Pterocarya stenoptera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers ample space for root and canopy growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; tolerates occasional wet conditions but not prolonged waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates some shade but may become leggy in deep shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay without amendments; ensure consistent moisture retention; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in dormant state.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization which can burn roots; water well before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Or sow seeds in containers after cold stratification.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit maturation.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss for seed germination.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; remove crossing or rubbing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and maintain air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container plants.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if pot-bound; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor trees; container-grown plants should be repotted every 2–3 years to refresh soil and check root health.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture penetrates the root zone to a depth of 12–18 inches. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, premature leaf drop in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may yellow and drop prematurely; growth slows or halts; young or container-grown plants are more vulnerable.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect container plants in unheated spaces; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor due to excessive transpiration; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPterocarya stenoptera is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPterocarya stenoptera is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPterocarya stenoptera, commonly known as Chinese wingnut, is not known to have significant toxic effects on humans. The plant is generally considered safe for human contact and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pterocarya stenoptera suitable for small gardens?
A: No, it is a large tree and requires ample space.
Q: Does it produce edible nuts?
A: The nuts are not typically consumed by humans but may be eaten by wildlife.
Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It is considered a fast-growing tree, often reaching significant height within a few years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Juglandaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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