Near Cles Hospital, beside a car park in Viale Degasperi, a huge tree has stood for many decades the dimensions of which almost appear “impudent” compared to the typical “shrubs” that make up the urban mosaic, which are largely confined to small plant beds and subjected to constant pruning solely for the convenience of people.
Its imposing shape comprises a crown similar in width to its height and enormous branches developing horizontally from the bottom, clearly indicating that from a young age it was growing in isolation, fully illuminated with unlimited available space and no other trees to compete against.
With a height of 20 metres and a trunk circumference of 3.14 metres, it has been designated a natural monument according to Art.7 of the Law of 10/2013, and is registered in the List of Monumental Trees in Italy. For many years this walnut has been used by fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) for nesting, in the fork between two large branches. The Carpathian walnut is the best known variant and most economically important in its genus, also known as the "common walnut" or "Persian walnut". The fruit (seeds) are also called walnuts. Archeological remains indicate that the fruit of the walnut were used as a food as early as 9000 years ago and went on to play a central role in the diets of many peoples. It should not be confused with the black walnut (Juglans nigra), with a much woodier fruit that is difficult to open, and planted locally for timber production. The walnut is a vigorous tree characterized by a tall straight solid trunk, imposing profile, and strong initial taproots, in maturity becoming more expansive and superficial. They can grow as tall as 30 metres.
