Pterocarya

These deciduous trees are natives to China, Japan and the Caucasus. Commonly known as Wing Nuts, these interesting trees produce long strings of winged seeds that are suspended from the branches. They grow from 6 to 20 inches long and are green during the summer, gradually turning brown and dropping in the fall. These seeds follow tiny female flowers, which are produced in catkins. Male and female catkins are borne on the same trees; the female catkins grow considerably longer than the males. The pinnate leaves of these trees grow from 9 to 18 inches in length and consist of up to 27, oblong leaflets. These trees grow from 30 to 50 feet in height with a wide crown of branches. Wing Nuts are suitable for growing as lawn ornaments and along streets.

Pot Cultivation

Grow these trees in full sun. Wing Nuts are able to withstand times of drought, hard soil and strong wind once they are well established; however, to develop into the most attractive trees they should be placed in fairly moist, deep, loamy soil. P. fraxinifolia is especially suited for growing near the edges of ponds or streams. Trees that are bought balled and burlapped should be planted in the spring. Pruning should be done in the summer, because they will "bleed" a lot in the winter or spring. These trees often develop multiple trunks or branches low on the trunk. To prevent this, prune them when they are young to have only one, clear trunk.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown as soon as they are ripe, in a frame. Once they sprout, they should be planted in separate pots and eventually in a nursery bed. They need to be transplanted every other year until they have a permanent spot. Named varieties can be grafted onto stocks of P. fraxinifolia. Cuttings may also be rooted.