Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Native to eastern North America, the black walnut thrives in well-drained, moist soils and prefers full sun. It does not perform well in shaded areas. The crown that develops in an oval or round shape. It is self-pollinating and has a deep taproot. 

The roots of the black walnut tree contain juglone, a toxic compound that can harm other plants sensitive to it. Thus, it is important to keep a significant distance between the black walnut and these susceptible plants. Black walnut wood is highly valued for its use in furniture and paneling, while the nuts are consumed as food. The entire fruit, including its husk, falls in October; the seed is small and very hard. The tree tends to produce a heavier crop in alternate years, and while some young trees may start producing nuts around 4 to 6 years old, most will not yield substantial crops until they are about 20 years old. The trunk is large and usually lacks lower branches. The bark is dark gray to black with diamond-shaped ridges and fissures. When crushed, the leaves emit a distinctive fragrance, and they turn yellow in the fall. In late spring to early summer, yellow-green flowers appear in drooping catkins (2 to 5 inches long for males) and short spikes (for females). Female flowers develop into edible nuts encased in a greenish-yellow husk. By fall, the nuts fall to the ground, and the husk turns black and decays. The tree’s value for its wood has led to a decline in native populations. Native Americans used the nuts for food, made syrup from the sap, and sometimes placed husks in ponds to poison fish for easier capture. The nuts are a food source for woodpeckers, foxes, and squirrels.

Fall Color; Attracts: 🐦
Light: full to part sun
Soil: wet, well-drained
Mature Height: 70’ - 100’