Pterocarya stenoptera
Chinese wingnut
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Family: Juglandaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Pterocarya stenoptera (Chinese wingnut) is a non-native California tree in the Juglandaceae family, recognized by Only Pterocarya species in CA, rare waif from cultivation, distinguished from Juglans by winged leaf rachis and small winged fruits.
Chinese wingnut is a naturalized tree found in the Central Valley in disturbed stream channels at elevations of 15 meters. Flowering in spring, this tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers. Growing 10 to 30 meters tall with a distinctive winged main leaf axis, it features compound leaves with 6 to 21 leaflets. Its leaflets are narrowly elliptic to oblong, 7 to 11 centimeters long and 2.5 to 4 centimeters wide, with finely serrated edges and obtuse tips. The distinctive fruit has wings 13 to 24 millimeters long surrounding a small central body.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Pterocarya species in CA, rare waif from cultivation, distinguished from Juglans by winged leaf rachis and small winged fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed stream channels
Elevation: 15 m
Outside California: temperate Asia
Bloom period
Pterocarya stenoptera blooms Spring.
How to tell it apart
vs Morus: Pterocarya has compound leaves with many paired leaflets; mulberry has simple, often lobed leaves.; vs Acalypha: Pterocarya has compound leaves with paired leaflets; Acalypha has simple leaves arranged alternately.; vs Gleditsia: Pterocarya leaflets have saw-toothed edges; honey locust leaflets have smooth edges and often twice-divided leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pterocarya stenoptera native to California?
No. Pterocarya stenoptera is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Pterocarya stenoptera bloom?
Pterocarya stenoptera blooms Spring.
What plant family does Pterocarya stenoptera belong to?
Pterocarya stenoptera is in the Juglandaceae family, genus Pterocarya.
What habitat does Pterocarya stenoptera grow in?
Pterocarya stenoptera grows in Disturbed stream channels.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.