Black Walnut Juglans nigra

Characteristics 

Leaves: Pinnately compound, with 15-23 leaflets that grow up to 3 1/2 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches wide, lancelet in shape, are rounded at the asymmetrical base and come to a point near the tip, they have ridged edges with a smooth top surface and a hairy bottom surface, leaflets are shades of yellow-green on top and lighter in color below.

Flower: Staminate (Male) and Pistillate (Female) are found on the same trees, staminate are typically larger and more numerous, form hairy catkins, are shades of yellow and green, while pistillates are fewer in number, smaller and spiked, neither contain petals.

Fruit: Circular, green and yellow with a rough surface, around 2 inches in size, contains a hard, round, brown nut with a sweet taste.

Twig: Small, thick, shades of green and orange, with a fuzzy and smooth surface, have alternating leaf scars that are shaped like a shield, raised, and have 3 bundle traces; pith is divided and is brown in color.

Bud:  Tips are rounded, light brown, grow to about 1/2 of an inch in length, are typically soft and hairy. 

Bark: Thick, dark with deep ridges

Form: Average tree is 150 feet tall and 5 feet wide at the straight trunk; crown is wide and round.

 Habit: Wooded areas

Range: From Massachusetts to Minnesota, to Texas and southeast to Florida.

Wood Uses: Wood heavy and dark shades of brown with a rough grain; is used in making furniture, and house finishing, as well as cabinets, the nut of the fruit is suitable for eating.

Distinguishing Features: Recognized by its distinguished buds and fruit.

Location: Mattoon, IL

Sources:  Mohlenbrock, Robert.  (N.D.).  Forest Trees of Illinois.  Springfield, IL:  Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

© 2003 Cumberland High School Lauren H.  All rights reserved. 

Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us

Link to Native Trees of Illinois Index Page