Also known as Black Walnut  this tree is deciduous and hardy. Naturally growing along stream beds  it will thrive in poor soils and tolerate the heat well. It provides plenty of shade in summer  and at maturity has interesting  deeply lined bark. The walnuts from this tree are small but are edible. It is important to wildlife as it not only provides food but also nesting sites for various animals. California's Walnut  is becoming more scarce as Southern California's vegetation is being impacted by development.