Walnut family
Description
A small family of deciduous trees, most of which occur in northern temperate regions, but a few of which are tropical (Juglandaceae 1).
The leaves are alternate and pinnate. The flowers are small and bracteate, unisexual; the male ones borne in catkins and with many stamens, the female ones in spikes with an inferior ovary. They are wind-pollinated. The fruit is a drupe or nut.
There are 7 genera.
Use
The family yields timber and nuts, e.g. walnut and pecan.
Described species
Juglans regia, walnut
Juglans nigra, black walnut, see Juglans regia
Carya illinoensis, pecan
Carya ovata, hickory, see Carya illinoensis