[4] The vein axils bear tufts of hair underneath,[4] differentiating the species from the Southern California walnut.

The species is monoecious, with male flowers in yellow-green catkins up to 15 cm (6 in) long and females stemming from young twigs in groups of 1–3.

[2] A 2020 IUCN assessment has extended this range: north to Oregon and south to Southern California, in areas of similar habitat type.

[10] The tree grows in riparian woodlands, either in mono-species stands, or mixed with California oak species (Quercus spp.)

Juglans hindsii has been commercially important as a rootstock for orchard stock of J. regia (English walnut) trees all over the world.

[15] It is highly figured with a rich brown color and striking grain patterns, especially in the crotch areas, where large limbs meet the trunk.

Some confusion exists about the nature of claro walnut because J. hindsii is commonly used as the rootstock of orchard trees.