African Walnut Plant Care

African Walnut (Coula edulis) belongs to the Olacaceae family within the Coula genus. African Walnut is native to western and west-central tropical Africa, ranging from Guinea to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. African Walnut is also known as Coula Nut.

African Walnut displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Walnut produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Walnut every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Walnut thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing African Walnut in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Coula edulis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African Walnut prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African Walnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Walnut every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Walnut is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Walnut can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune African Walnut while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

African Walnut is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Walnut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African Walnut is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African Walnut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African Walnut is native to western and west-central tropical Africa, ranging from Guinea to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow African Walnut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.