Black Walnut
Juglans nigra · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Juglandaceae
Tree Category
Nut Tree, Timber Tree, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not identifiable from bark alone (Natural species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 9
About This Tree
A large, stately tree with a typically straight trunk and a broad, rounded crown. Known for its high-quality dark wood and unique aromatic nuts.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, 12-24 inches long with 15-23 leaflets; green in summer, turning clear yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark grey-brown to black, deeply furrowed into rough, diamond-shaped ridges; develops a thick, corky texture with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and Eastern North America (USA and Southern Canada)
Growing Season
Buds open in late spring; flowers April to June; nut maturation in autumn; enters dormancy early after first frosts.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun required; prefers deep, moist, well-drained loamy soils; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
70-100 feet tall, 60-80 feet spread; moderate growth rate; can live 150-250 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces juglone (allelopathic chemical), highly prized timber for furniture, edible nuts, high salt and pollution tolerance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial food for squirrels and medium mammals via nuts; hosts various moth larvae; provides nesting sites for large birds.