Paradox Hybrid Walnut Tree

Los Angeles County, May 25, 1995


What do you have if you have nuts on the wall? Walnuts. Arguably the most famous tree in Whittier, among the more than 40,000 under the jurisdiction of the City's Parks Department, is this Paradox Hybrid Walnut Tree. It is a cross between an English Walnut and Black Walnut, and is fast-growing. It's located in Roadside Rest Park on Whittier Blvd between Mar Vista Steet and a street named after me..... Penn Street.

In 1955 it was saved through the efforts of the native Daughters of the Golden West and the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Tree, a National Landmark, as well as designated State Historical Landmark 681 in 1959 and on the Local Official Register of Historic Resources. Two dedication plaques were placed near the tree in 1963.

"Paradox" is the actual name of the tree variety, and named by Luther Burbank at the turn of the 20^th century for its ‘paradoxical vigor’. The Paradox is an F1 (1st Generation) hybrid of the native Northern California black, crossed with the English Walnut. Presumably, this makes for a better walnut, or there wouldn’t have been so much landmarks fuss.  

NO. 681 PARADOX HYBRID WALNUT TREE - Planted in 1907 by George Weinshank and assistants under the direction of Professor Ralph Smith as part of an experimental planting for the University of California Experiment Station, this tree stands as a monument to the early cooperation of state educational system with local walnut industry.
Location: 12300 Whittier Blvd at Mar Vista, Whittier USGS Quadrangle Sheet Name: VENICE
Google 33.973754,-118.045939