WALNUT

Walnut is a group of deciduous tree species of the genus Juglans that are found in Europe, Asia, West India, South America, and North America.  Most of the 20 species of walnut are stately trees with compound leaves.  Most species have edible seeds and beautiful wood.  Most climates have at least one species of Juglan.  The most common walnuts used worldwide are English walnut from Europe and England, Black walnut from North America, Persian walnut, and Butternut from North America.  There are other Juglan species in North America, Columbia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and other places.

The walnut is a highly valuable tree for a number of reasons.  It's greatest value, in my opinion, is as a nutritious food source.  The edible seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and anti-oxidants.  They are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein.  They are a source of melatonin, iodine, and selenium.  This healthy food source can also be tapped like a maple tree and the seeds can be pressed for oil.  Walnut seeds, husks, and leaves do have a number of medicinal uses.  However, the leaves, bark, and husks contain juglone, which can be toxic in high concentrations.
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Walnut, especially black walnut, has a number of practical uses as well.  The wood is used for furniture, floors, cabinetry, carving, tools, and flutes.  The oil can be used for cooking, wood polish and conditioner, paint carrier, varnish, lamp oil, and herbal carrier.  The leaves can be used for contact dying or to suppress plant growth.  The husks are used to create dye for wood or cloth.  The husks can also be used to create ink and paint.  The nut shells can be used to create tiny boxes, ornaments, and jewelry.

Like most trees, walnut also has a number of energetic uses.  Some of the symbolism of walnut includes abundance, strength, and resilience.  It is a reminder that during times of adversity to rely on your own intuition to discern what would be helpful.  Walnut is believed to expel negative or unwanted energy and to increase mental powers.  The ink is used for spell casting.  The wood has been used for talking sticks, wands, and staves.  It is used for runes and spirit boards.  Walnut is a beautiful wood for protective boxes for treasures and sacred tools, and more.

The walnut that I am most familiar with is the Eastern North American black walnut.  I have spent most of my life foraging for black walnuts, a habit, good or bad, that was taught to me by my grandfather.  To me, walnut is abundance, and even survival, as I have had times in my life when walnuts were my primary source of protein.  Black walnut is a delicious food source for cooking in desserts, rice dishes, stir fries, or just eating fresh.  When I collect walnuts, I create a beautiful brown dye for wool and wood.  Since one of my art forms is pen and ink.  My next experiment is to create walnut husk ink.