Initial impressions can sometimes be deceiving.
At any point in time the subject of interest may be in a brief transitory state which soon passes into a condition more representative of the creature’s true nature, especially insects.
Juglans nigra, as black walnuts are botanically identified, is a native tree with a variety of features and uses valued by humanity. The southern range of this tree is the non-coastal zones in counties of north Florida and is not adapted to coastal environs with sandy alkaline soils.
It grows in the wild and planted groves in areas east of the great plains in the U.S. and into southern Canada. Well-drained soils with a high organic matter content will support this slow growing hardwood. In the case of Santa Rosa County expect to see examples in its northern most acres.
The shape of the tree depends on the setting where it grows. Wild trees which occur in forested areas tend to be tall with a straight single trunk and a canopy reaching about 90 feet above the ground.
Walnut trees growing in open areas with full sun exposure tend to be much shorter. Trunks, while usually single, will have noticeably larger girth as compared to specimens of the same age which grew in heavily forested sites.
This tree is always started from its nut which, if planted with the previous season nuts, commonly have a high rate of germination. Started in one-gallon pots, they are easily transplanted into permanent sites in the landscape or grove.
The leaves, technically, can be up to two feet in length and may contain up to 23 leaflets. A healthy tree’s canopy produces dense shade under its reaches, which suppresses the growth of many other plants.
Additionally, to eliminate competitors, this species produces an allelopathic chemical in its root zone to give this tree an added advantage. This natural form of biological warfare kills some plant species and deters others, so, if added as a specimen in the home landscape, this factor should be considered.
The chocolate brown lumber is valued highly for its use in furniture, paneling and many other products. To a lesser degree, its nut meat is used in a variety of recipes, usually as a flavor enhancer.
Extremely hard, it takes a steel hammer or some other ridged tool and much physical effort to crack these tough nuts. The challenge discourages many.
In the coming weeks the nut’s husk will turn from green to dark brown and drop from the branches.
Hard wood, harder nuts and the ability to conduct chemical suppression of competitors – all factors needed for survival in the wild.
To learn more about this desirable tree in Navarre, Gulf Breeze and Santa Rosa County, contact the nearest UF/IFAS County Extension Office or visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/. To read more stories by Les Harrison visit: Outdoorauthor.com and follow him on Facebook.
The dog days of summer have once again returned to Santa Rosa County.
As such, the dogs and their human companions are highly motivated to remain in any environment with cooler temperature readings.
The summer of 2021 appears to be developing as a period of liberation between two pandemics with restrictions on activities.
One of the many advantages of living in the panhandle Florida are the numerous choices for summer activities.
There is the often-quoted biblical admonition “By your fruits you will be known,” which commonly comes up when discussing behavior.
In other words, a reputation will ultimately be based on the deeds and accomplishments of an individual, family or group.
As July fades into August, more residents are questioning how the trees in their home landscapes would fair in a tropical storm or hurricane.
Some have a high potential to cause problems, other like the Southern Live Oak are less likely to damage structures.
Until relatively recently, traveling any distance was an arduous and difficult process. The problems compounded if there was a large baggage load.
Initially, there were two obvious options for coastal residents. A cart or wagon pulled, hopefully by a beast of burden, as the first choice and a boat or ship as the second option.
Blue is a color which usually has negative or depressing connotations and implications. For example, people feeling depressed or out-of-sorts, are said to have the blues.
Blues singers always have a sad song about love lost or some other gloomy situation beyond the control of the person suffering through the unhappiness and indignities.
