Also known as American Black Walnut · American Walnut · Black Walnut
Eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a large, deciduous tree producing highly prized dark wood and edible nuts, native to eastern North America.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and nut production. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
Moderate to High for young trees, Moderate for mature trees
50% intensity
Ensure consistent moisture for young plants. Deep watering when topsoil is dry is recommended. Mature trees tolerate some drought.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Wide Range
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Tolerates both cold winters and warm summers, making it adaptable to many climates.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low to None when established
25% intensity
Established trees generally do not require fertilization. Young trees may benefit from a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Juglone, a substance found in the roots, leaves, and hull of black walnut, can be toxic to some plants and animals. It is not considered poisonous to humans or pets in typical exposure scenarios, but can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Provide consistent moisture, especially for young trees. Water deeply when the top 5-10 cm of soil is dry. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.
Avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot.
Prune only when necessary to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time to prune is during the dormant season (late fall to early spring) to minimize sap bleeding and disease risk.
For shaping young trees, selective thinning can encourage a strong central leader.
Propagated primarily from seeds. Stratification is required: seeds need a period of cold, moist conditions (around 3-4 months) before sowing in spring.
Grafting can also be used for specific cultivars, typically performed in late winter or early spring.
Repotting is not applicable to Juglans nigra as it is a large tree grown outdoors. Young seedlings started in containers should be transplanted to their permanent location when they have developed a robust root system, typically after the first growing season.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eastern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Where Eastern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is found
Density
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7 known issues from plant disease data
Thousand Cankers Disease on Black Walnut causes yellowing, wilting, and branch dieback from many hidden bark cankers, ending in top-down tree death.
Walnut Anthracnose on Black Walnut causes brown leaflet spots with yellowing and early leaf drop, and dark husk spots can make nuts fall early.
Mycosphaerella Leaf Spot on Black Walnut causes small black leaflet spots with yellow margins, then yellowing, leaf-scorch patterns, and early drop.
Bull’s-eye Leaf Spot on Black Walnut makes round brown-gray target spots with pale rings, then leaves yellow and may drop before season end.
Downy Spot on Black Walnut causes yellow raised blotches on upper leaf surfaces and fuzzy white growth underneath, but little early leaf loss.
Phytophthora Root Rot in Black Walnut blackens the taproot and lower stem, causing yellowing, fast wilting, collapse, and seedling death.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Juglandaceae |
| Genus | Juglans |
| Species | Juglans nigra |
Similar in genus Juglans
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
