Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Black walnut tree with green leaves in the landscape.
Photo: John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License.
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Rabbit Resistant
Size

Height:

50 to
75
feet

Spread:

75 to
100
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
75
feet
Spread: 75 to
100
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
75
feet
Spread: 75 to
100
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Shade tree for open landscapes where tree will have space to grow, far from juglone-susceptible plantings, and nuts will not be problematic if messy in fall.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Can tolerate drought but enjoys moist soil with good drainage, high in organic matter; plant in location where juglones will not cause issues for surrounding susceptible plants. Leave fallen leaves unraked to avoid disturbing overwintering luna moth cocoons. Anticipate nuts as soon as four years after planting, with the crop generally increasing each year.
Special Features
Nuts
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description

Large deciduous tree useful for its high-quality lumber, and which also produces nuts edible by wildlife and humans. Nuts are surrounded by green or yellow-green husks that blacken on the ground during fall maturation. Compound leaves emit fragrance when crushed, emerging late and falling early; up to 2′ long, with many leaflets, generally lance-shaped, alternately arranged in a pattern broadly reminiscent of a feather. Produces compounds called juglones, which can harm some plants though many natives are not susceptible. Host to numerous larvae including the caterpillars of walnut datana moths, luna moths, and regal moths (aka hickory horned devil with its remarkable namesake horns). Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Green leaves and green unripe nut of black walnut tree

Unripe husked nut of black walnut tree. Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation.

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