Black Walnut Trees

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Identification

A large deciduous tree prized for its dark brown hardwood. Due to its economic value, the number of large individuals remaining in the landscape is extremely low. Black Walnut has long compound leaves that hold up to 23 leaflets arranged opposite each other and often lacking a leaflet at the apex. Bark is deeply ridged well out onto the branches. Fall color is bright yellow and leaf scars are heart shaped with 3 dots or “bundle scars” on each point. Fruits conspicuous green balls that are held from midsummer well into the fall exhibiting various stages of rot. Both fruits and leaves have a spicy citrus smell when crushed or scraped.

Examples:

Leaves of the Black Walnut.

NPS Photo/ W. Kaselow

NPS Photo/ W. Kaselow

Bark of the Black Walnut.

NPS Photo/ W. Kaselow

Fruits and Leaves of the Black Walnut.

NPS Photo/ W. Kaselow