Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Juglandaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Black Walnut is a valuable native tree prized for its timber and edible nuts. Common in Buffalo's rich soils, it produces chemicals that inhibit other plants from growing nearby. The deeply furrowed bark and large compound leaves make it distinctive.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
compound
Leaf Shape
pinnately compound with 15-23 leaflets
Height
70-90 feet
Bark
dark brown, deeply furrowed in diamond pattern
Fruit
large round green husks containing hard-shelled nuts
Identification Tips
- • Large compound leaves 1-2 feet long
- • 15-23 leaflets per leaf
- • Deeply furrowed bark in diamond pattern
- • Green tennis-ball sized fruits
- • Pith of twigs is chambered
Seasonal Changes
Spring
Leaves emerge late, after most trees
Summer
Large compound leaves create filtered shade
Fall
Yellow fall color, drops leaves early
Winter
Distinctive furrowed bark pattern
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Preference
deep, rich, well-drained
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
