Chinese Wingnut is a large fast growing deciduous shade tree growing 50 to 70 feet with large, substantial branches which spread as wide as the tree is tall. The dark green compound leaves, 6 to 12 inch long are composed of many, finely-toothed, oval leaflets. The leaves do not display any appreciable fall color. Of particular interest are the 6 to 12 inch long seed clusters, green strings of winged seeds suspended below the branches which turn brown and fall in autumn. This unusual and rare tree grows at a phenomenal rate. The trunk can reportedly grow to at least eight feet in diameter. Genus name comes from ptero (winged) and carya (hickory).
