Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) – Bare Root

Black Walnut Seedling – Juglans nigra

The Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is a majestic and valuable hardwood tree, known for its dark, rich wood and impressive size. Native to North America, this fast-growing tree not only enhances your landscape with its striking form but also provides long-term ecological and economic benefits. Black Walnut trees are highly sought after for their high-quality wood, which is used in furniture-making, cabinetry, and flooring. Beyond its timber value, the Black Walnut offers beautiful foliage, aromatic nuts, and a habitat for wildlife.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Juglans nigra

• Height at Maturity: 60-80 feet (18-24 meters)

• Spread: 50-75 feet (15-23 meters)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Soil Preference: Well-drained, deep, loamy soils, but adaptable to a range of soil types

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Description:

• Leaves: Black Walnut trees have large, pinnate leaves, which are a vibrant green in the spring and summer, turning a rich yellow in the fall. The leaves create a dense canopy, providing ample shade.

• Flowers: In early spring, the tree produces inconspicuous, long, hanging catkins that provide pollen for bees and other pollinators.

• Nuts: The Black Walnut is well-known for its edible nuts, which are encased in a hard, green husk. These nuts are used in baking, cooking, and making walnut oil. They are a favorite food for squirrels and other wildlife.

• Bark: The bark of the Black Walnut is dark, deeply furrowed, and textured, giving the tree an impressive, rugged appearance as it matures.

• Wood: The wood of the Black Walnut is one of the most prized in the world. Dark, dense, and beautifully grained, it is highly valued for high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and flooring.

Why Choose Black Walnut?

• Valuable Timber: The rich, dark wood of the Black Walnut is prized for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It’s a top choice for fine woodworking and furniture-making.

• Wildlife Friendly: The nuts provide a rich food source for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife. The tree also provides shelter and nesting sites.

• Fast Growth & Shade: This tree grows quickly, offering excellent shade and cooling benefits, making it perfect for large yards or park-like settings.

• Aesthetic Appeal: With its grand stature, attractive foliage, and distinctive bark, the Black Walnut is a stunning focal point in any landscape.

• Natural Weed Control: The Black Walnut naturally produces a chemical called juglone, which can suppress the growth of some competing plants around its base, making it a useful tree in certain planting configurations.

Whether you’re planting for timber, shade, or wildlife benefits, the Black Walnut offers a wealth of advantages. Its combination of fast growth, ecological value, and high-quality wood makes it a standout tree for any property.