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Black walnut

How to identify Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black walnut, also known as Eastern Black Walnut, Eastern american black walnut

Black walnut features compound leaves with 15-23 finely toothed leaflets, each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Its bark is dark grey to black, with deep furrows and narrow ridges forming a diamond pattern. The tree is notable for its large round fruits, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, encased in green, semi-fleshy husks that turn black upon ripening. The mature tree's stature is robust, reaching heights of 70-100 feet (21-30 meters) with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters).

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black walnut

1

Compound leaves with 15-23 finely toothed leaflets, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

2

Dark grey to black bark with deep furrows and diamond-patterned ridges.

3

Large round fruits, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, with green husks turning black.

4

Catkin flowers measuring 2½ to 5½ inches (6 to 14 cm), yellow-green in color.

5

Trunk with rough, deeply furrowed dark brown bark featuring diamond-shaped patterns.

Black walnutBlack walnutBlack walnutBlack walnutBlack walnut

Detailed Traits of Black walnut

Leaf Features

The leaves of black walnut are pinnately compound, stretching 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) long, with 15 to 23 ovate-lanceolate leaflets. Each leaflet is finely serrated and more ovate compared to pecan, with a distinctive 3-lobed leaf scar resembling a monkey face. Leafing occurs in late spring with yellow-green leaves which turn bright clear yellow in fall. The leaves drop sporadically throughout the season.

Leaf Base

Circular

Black walnut Leaf Base image
Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Black walnut Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Black walnut Leaf Apex image
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Flower Features

The flowers of black walnut are monoecious, featuring single-stemmed catkins that measure 2½ to 5½ inches (6 to 14 cm) in length. These catkins are short-spiked near the twig and exhibit a yellow-green coloration. They typically bloom from April to May, adding a distinctive appearance to the plant during this period.

Black walnut Flower imageBlack walnut Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Spike

Black walnut Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

The stem of black walnut is distinguished by a V-shaped leaf scar with a bud nestled inside. The surface is marked by raised lenticels, giving it a slightly rough texture. When young, branches of the stem exhibit a chambered pith segmented by thin, buff-colored diaphragms. The stem typically ranges in thickness from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). These features make the stem of black walnut easily identifiable.

Black walnut Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of black walnut is distinguished by its robust, spherical form with a pointed apex. It is encased in a non-splitting, green-yellow husk that matures to feature a distinctive brown to black color as it ripens by October. Not only visually striking, but the husk also leaves behind tenacious stains on skin and fabrics. The fruit appears either singly or configured in pairs. Hidden within the husk is an edible nut, a culinary delight once extracted. The size of the fruit is typically in proportion with other nuts of the black walnut genus.

Black walnut Fruit imageBlack walnut Fruit imageBlack walnut Fruit image
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Key Facts About Black walnut

Attributes of Black walnut
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
20 m to 45 m
Spread
20 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
1 cm to 3 cm
Flower Color
Green
Yellow
Fruit Color
Green
Brown
Copper
Black
Yellow
Gold
Stem Color
Brown
Black
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Black walnut
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Scientific Classification of Black walnut

Family
Walnut
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Genus
Walnuts
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Species
Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
Learn More About the Black walnut

Distribution Map of Black walnut

Black walnut is native to eastern North America, where it grows in moist woodland areas. This tree has been cultivated commercially for its nuts throughout its native range as well as in Europe and Asia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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