Black walnut: An American Treasure

Juglans nigra

With a gleaming dark wood, edible nuts, longevity—living up to 200 years— and fragrant leaves, this tree is one of the country’s most prized possessions and economic products.

Black walnut wood is popular for its rich color, strength and durability. In addition to the tree’s handsome wood qualities, the Black walnut produces edible nuts for wildlife and people. The rich kernel maintains its flavor and texture during cooking. Walnut shells are popular as a polishing abrasive and additive in numerous industrial products. Not to mention, its canopy provides great shade cover.

The black walnut is grandiose, with a deep taproot system spreading 50-75 feet. If planting in a residential area, be sure to leave plenty of space for it to grow.

Here are a few things to note before planting.

Environmental Conditions

• Does well in clay, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well drained and wet soils (hardiness zones 4-9).
• Grows up to two feet a year, reaching 50-75 feet at maturity.
• Prefers full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
• Note: Black walnut trees load their roots, buds and nut hulls with the juglone toxin which seeps into the soil; avoid planting juglone intolerant species near Black walnuts. Here is a list of compatible species.

Physical Attributes

• Produces a green, fleshy husk and black hard shell around the kernel. Harvests nuts in 8-10 years, with best nut production beginning when trees are 30 years old.
• Self-pollinates, but plant two crops for best results.
• Bonus: Black walnuts have nearly twice the protein of English walnuts.
• Has fragrant, pinnately compound leaves.

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