Juglans regia, commonly known as the English Walnut or Persian Walnut, is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family. Originally from the mountainous regions of Central Asia, the English Walnut has been cultivated for its nuts for thousands of years and now grows in temperate zones worldwide, including England.

The English Walnut is a sizeable tree, often growing to heights of 20-30 metres, with a wide, rounded crown. Its pinnate leaves are large, up to 30cm long, consisting of up to 9 leaflets that provide a light, feathery appearance. They open a fresh green colour in spring and turn yellow in autumn before falling. The bark is smooth and silver-grey, which contrasts beautifully with the green foliage.

A standout feature of the English Walnut is its fruit, the familiar walnut. The tree produces small, inconspicuous green flowers in spring, which, once pollinated by the wind, develop into round green husks. By autumn, these husks crack open to reveal the hard, wrinkled shells containing the edible nuts.

English Walnut trees typically have a moderate growth rate, often taking 10-15 years to begin bearing fruit. The trees usually reach full maturity within 30-40 years and can live up to 200 years or even longer in ideal conditions.

Compared to many trees native to England, the English Walnut distinguishes itself with its unique, feathery foliage, its sizeable, spreading habit, and of course, its edible fruits. This fruit-bearing characteristic is a rarity among large trees in England and makes the English Walnut a unique addition to the landscape.

From a garden design perspective, the English Walnut is a splendid choice. Its grand stature makes it a great shade or specimen tree for larger gardens or parks. Its lush, feathery foliage adds texture to the landscape, and its edible fruits provide an added bonus.

In terms of wildlife benefits, the English Walnut offers much to the ecosystem. Its flowers provide pollen for a variety of insects, while the nuts are a favoured food source for squirrels and some birds. The large, spreading canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

An interesting fact about the English Walnut is its impact on nearby plants. It produces a chemical called juglone that can inhibit the growth of certain other plants. This allelopathic property is something gardeners need to be aware of when choosing companion plants for the English Walnut.

In conclusion, Juglans regia, the English Walnut, is a stately, beneficial, and unique tree. Its large size, characteristic foliage, and fruit-bearing properties make it a distinctive and functional addition to a British garden. The wildlife it attracts and its culinary benefits further enrich its value in the landscape.