Black Walnut Tree | Juglans nigra | Shade-Producing Tree

Black Walnut Tree is a native and deciduous tree.

Plant Details | Black Walnut Tree (Juglans nigra)

Family: Juglandaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 50 – 75 ft.

Spread: 50 – 75 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts birds

Landscape Uses & Maintenance | Black Walnut Tree Benefits

Black Walnut Tree is a slow growing deciduous tree that will reach great heights and create a large canopy, making a dramatic impact on your landscape.

Plant this tree to create a shade garden with plants tolerant of the Black Walnut. Alternatively, you can plant this tree as an accent in your landscape.  Avoid planting this tree along pathways.

This tree has yellow green catkins that emerge in the spring that are wind pollinated. This tree has thick ridged bark.

This tree will produce large nuts that are a favorite food of wildlife, including birds and squirrels. Nuts begin green and turn black as they mature, falling off the tree in early to mid fall. Caution, these nuts are heavy - mind your head!

Its green leaves will turn yellow in the fall. Prune damaged or diseased branches.

Plant this tree in an area that gets full sun and moist, well draining soil. This tree prefers loam or sandy soils. Avoid planting it in clay or compacted soil.

Water this tree thoroughly until well established. Make sure to water this tree during drought, as it prefers moist soil.

This tree is deer resistant.

Generally this tree is resistant to disease, but it should be watched for the Thousand Cankers disease.

Noteworthy Characteristics | Why Plant a Black Walnut Tree

You should be mindful of where you plant this tree - the Black Walnut Tree is known for producing a compound called juglone, which goes into the soil around the tree. However, do not be deterred from having a garden under this tree! There are plants that are tolerant of the compound, including ferns, bee balm, and astilbe.

Once mature, the seed husks are used for natural dyeing.

This tree is the host of the Luna Moth and many other butterflies.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Water Black Walnut trees deeply and infrequently to promote profound root growth. Mulch near the bottom to maintain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune during dormancy to remove dead or crossing branches and prevent disease.

Plant Reproduction

Black Walnut spreads via fallen nuts and root sprouts.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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