The walnut tree is a slow grower, but worth the wait. It is thought that the Romans were the first to cultivate the natural advantages of the walnut tree, sourcing food and decorative timber from it. The walnut plant can grow up to over 100 feet in height and grows what are known as pinnate leaves, which basically means that smaller leaves grow from the same large stem. The walnut isn’t as crucial for wildlife as other trees, but it provides shelter and adds aesthetic beauty to the landscape. It is also thought that the nuts are a particular favourite of the red squirrel.