Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut and Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 9
About This Tree
A large, stately tree known for its high-quality timber. It typically features a straight trunk with a high, rounded, and somewhat open crown allowing sunlight to filter through.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, 12-24 inches long, with 15-23 ovate-lanceolate leaflets. Leaves are medium green, turning yellow in autumn. Fragrant when crushed.
Bark Characteristics
Dark grey-brown to blackish; deeply furrowed into thin, diamond-shaped ridges that form a rough, criss-cross pattern. The inner bark turns dark chocolate brown when cut.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and Eastern North America; widely adapted to fertile river bottoms and moist hillsides.
Growing Season
Late leaf-out and early leaf-drop; leaves emerge in late spring (May), flowers appear shortly after, and nuts ripen in autumn (September–October).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (intolerant of shade); thrives in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
70-100 feet in height with a similar spread; moderate growth rate; can live 150-250 years.
Special Characteristics
High timber value for furniture and veneer; produces allelopathic chemical (juglone) from roots that inhibits certain other plants; edible nuts with a strong flavor.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical food for squirrels and nut-eating rodents; serves as a host plant for the Luna Moth caterpillar; hollows in older trees provide nesting for owls and woodpeckers.