The leaves have an irregular oval crown (meaning they’re oval-shaped with a thin tip at the end). They’re usually light green in the spring and summer, and turn bright yellow in the fall. [4] X Research source The walnut tree should have leaves from April until about November, depending on the temperature. You can spot the trees more easily during these months. [5] X Research source
When the flowers are still growing, they look like tiny cactuses coming out of the branch. These flowers don’t produce a bud like the flowers you might be thinking of. If you don’t know what they are, you might think they were a different type of leaf.
Mature trees start growing fruit as soon as spring starts, so you should be able to spot fruits from the spring to autumn. In the spring, the fruit will only be small green buds at the end of the branches, so it might be tougher to spot. Trees usually don’t start producing fruit until they’re 10 years old. Learn to rely on other identification methods like the leaves and flowers to find immature trees.
The buds may be tough to see if the tree is very tall. A pair of binoculars will make this easier.
The twigs may have slight notches where the buds sit. These are scars from the previous year’s leaves.
On average, grown walnut trees are 2–4 ft (0. 61–1. 22 m) in diameter. This isn’t the most reliable method since trees could still be growing, but the height is probably the first thing you’ll notice. Full-grown walnut trees are usually the tallest in the area, so looking for a tall tree can give you a good starting point.
The tree may range from light brown, green, or dark grey furrowed bark. On average, it’s a darker brown color. [12] X Expert Source Michael Simpson, PhDRegistered Professional Biologist Expert Interview. 8 September 2021.
Be careful when using a knife. Wear gloves to avoid cutting yourself, and don’t hold the twig while you’re cutting it. Try to pick up a twig that fell off instead of cutting one off the tree. This could damage it.
