Black Walnut (Eastern Black Walnut)
Juglans nigra · Juglandaceae (Walnut family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound, deciduous
Shape
Oblong-lanceolate individual leaflets with an acuminate tip and rounded or asymmetrical base, typically with 11 to 23 leaflets per leaf.
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent, pale central midrib and highly visible, parallel lateral veins forming a distinct net-like reticulate pattern.
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves usually lacking a terminal leaflet, distinctive dark brown to black furrowed bark, large round green husks enclosing hard-ridged nuts, and compound leaves with finely serrated leaflets.
Description
The Black Walnut is a magnificent and towering deciduous tree known for its dark, deeply furrowed bark, large compound leaves, and prized dark-brown timber. In summer, its lush canopy casts a deep shade, followed by the dropping of green-husked hard nuts in autumn.
Habitat
Found primarily in rich, deep, moist, and well-drained soils of deciduous forests, along streams, and in open fields. Prefers full sun and is commonly found in bottomlands and lower slopes.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southern Ontario through the central and eastern United States down to Texas and Georgia. Widely planted in temperate regions worldwide.