TreeRM

Black walnut

Juglans nigra 路 Juglandaceae 路 also Eastern black walnut

A large, valuable timber and nut tree (50-75 feet) with long feathery leaves that turn clear yellow and hard-shelled nuts in green husks that stain everything they touch. Its roots and leaves release juglone, which kills tomatoes, apples and many ornamentals planted beneath it. Best on big rural or riparian lots with deep soil.

Broadleaf, drops leavesMedium growthFull sunModerate water
Black walnut
, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 United States 路 Also native in: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, VA, WI, WV (USDA PLANTS distribution)source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AR, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 GA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 LA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 MS, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 NC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 OK, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 SC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TN, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United States 路 Native to the eastern half of Texas as far west as the Edwards Plateau; Austin's Grow Green list carries the smaller native little walnut (Juglans microcarpa) insteadsource

Care

Plant small; the taproot makes transplanting hard. Keep soil moist the first two years. Do not plant vegetable gardens or sensitive ornamentals within the drip line. Expect fall webworm and caterpillars, anthracnose in wet years, and a heavy nut drop in autumn that is hard on mowers and ankles. Prune in late winter.

Benefits

ShadeEdibleWildlifeBirdsFall colorLong lived

Good for

TimberFoodYard shadeparksAgroforestry

Watch out for

Toxic partsMessy fruitHeavy litterPest proneLarge roots