Walnut trees are monoecious, meaning a single tree contains both male (catkin) and female (pistillate) flowers, allowing the trees to self-pollinate. Nut production is best when walnut trees of different cultivars are planted in groups, as is typically done in walnut groves cultivated for nut production. When choosing a walnut tree for planting on your property, look closely at the recommended U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones, as well as the tree height and sun exposure recommendations. Here are the most common types of walnut trees to help you select the best one for your yard.

Native Area: Colombia, Ecuador, and PeruUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12Height: Up to 130 feet; more commonly, 50 to 65 feetSun Exposure: Full to partial sun; cannot grow in shade

Native Area: Mexico and Southwest U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah)USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11Height: Up to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Eastern U.S.USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: 50 to 150 feetFull Exposure: Full sun

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Native Area: Eastern North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Height: 40 to 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Argentina and BoliviaUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Height: Up to 75 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Southern CaliforniaUSDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10Height: 50 to 75 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Europe and AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Height: 40 to 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Juglans hindsii has a controversial conservation status, and some consider it threatened by hybridization with orchard trees, urbanization, and habitat loss. Some authorities consider this plant a variation of the California walnut, giving it the name Juglans californica var. hindsii.

Native Area: CaliforniaUSDA Growing Zones: 8 to 9Height: 30 to 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Height: Usually 40 to 65 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: China, North and South Korea, Russian Far EastUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Height: Up 60 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, TexasUSDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9Height: 15 to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade