Description

Leaves: Yellowish green on upper surface, paler green below; pinnately compound; alternate; 7" to 13" long; leaflets narrowly egg-shaped or oblong to lance-shaped, 9-15 in number, 2" to 4" long, blunt-tipped, margins coarsely toothed; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Twigs green early on, becoming reddish brown, hairy. Buds light grayish brown; large leaf scars.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers monoecious; occur in spring; male flowers within yellowish green catkins, 2" to 3" in length, hanging; female flowers inconspicuous, occurring on short spikes. Fruit greenish, round, 1-1/2" in diameter; husk bright green, but becomes brown, thin, covered in brown hairs; nuts oval, 1" in diameter, grooved with smooth ridges, mature in fall, edible, was used as food source for native Americans.

Bark: Like J. nigra; dark in color, with diamond-like furrows, rough.

Wood: Moderately unimportant; wood dark brown, attractive, good grain patterns; used for cabinetry, gunstocks, and picture frames.

General: Native to the mountains of the southwestern states. Some similarities to J. nigra, but is smaller. A shrub to small tree, 30' to 50' in height. Long-lived. Prefers full sun and is heat tolerant.

Landscape use: Might do well if planted in the warmest parts of Utah. Can be an excellent shade tree. Rarely cultivated.  Zones 7-8.

Characteristics