Black Walnut Tree

Black Walnut Tree, Juglans nigra, is a stately deciduous tree that is native to Central and Eastern North America. Black Walnut is known and highly prized for its edible nuts and its exceptionally beautiful, dark-grained wood. Black Walnut shells are currently used in a range of commercial applications. Trees can reach heights up to 130 ft with canopy spreads of 50 ft. They grow strong and slowly, and are known to have a lifespan of over 250 years. 

Black Walnut Trees are valuable large shade trees and will thrive when planted in sunny locations; give them plenty of room to grow their wide canopy. Trees will generally produce a large crop of nuts after 10 years. The nuts are prized and used in favorite recipes, and in cocktails and are a valuable wildlife food source.

Black Walnut Tree Care

Black Walnut Trees are adaptable to many soil types and require full-sun locations. Mature trees typically have long straight trunks with an absence of lower branches. They reach for the sunlight, so plant this tree in an area where it is not competing for resources. 

Yellow-green flowers appear in late spring; the male flowers are drooping catkins and the female flowers are short terminal spikes. Female flowers create edible nuts in the fall. Black Walnut Trees are relatively low maintenance and do not require pruning unless damaged or dead branches need to be removed. 

When planting a young Black Walnut Tree, consider using a tree guard to protect the trunk from deer rubbing their antlers in the fall, which could damage the young bark. Apply a few inches of natural mulch around the root base after planting, this will help protect the root system from harsh winters and help retain soil moisture.  

Black Walnut Tree Spacing

Due to their large size and canopy spread, grow a Black Walnut Tree with plenty of room around it to avoid competing for sunlight and soil nutrients. Best planted out on a larger property in a landscape that has enough space for it to thrive. Plant Black Walnut Trees away from sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, as their root system is strong and could create issues.

Black Walnut Tree Information