How do I identify a black walnut tree? - Studybuff (2023)

Identification When Dormant During dormancy, the black walnut can be identified by examining the bark; the leaf scars are seen when leaves are pulled away from branches, and by looking at the nuts that have fallen around the tree. In a black walnut, the bark is furrowed and dark in color (it is lighter in butternut). How can I tell what kind of walnut tree I have?
The best way to identify species of walnut trees is by their bark, leaves, and nuts. Their bark is light gray to dark brown. Walnut leaves are pinnate, but some species have larger leaves than others. Walnut nuts look similar, but the taste and texture between the species can differ.

What does a black walnut tree in bloom look like?

The Black Walnut Tree Flowers Male flowers look like long catkins, hanging from the leaf scars of the previous flowers. Each floret is about 1/8 inch wide, with 15 to 40 stamens and a small calyx of 5 to 6 scales. Female flowers are grouped into 2 to 5 pieces on short spikes near the end of the twig of new growth. What is a black walnut tree worth?
A black walnut tree in great condition with a large diameter, roughly 20”, is worth between $700 and $800. Through a walnut tree’s life, however, it can grow to be well over 30” or even 40” in diameter. The larger the diameter, the more a black walnut tree is worth.

How do I know if my walnut tree is in the winter?

Where can you find black walnut trees?

Black walnut typically grows as scattered individual trees or in small groups throughout the central and eastern parts of the United States. Although it is found on a variety of sites, black walnut grows best on good sites in coves and well-drained bottoms in the Appalachians and the Midwest.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

How do I know what kind of tree I have?

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The starting point for most people when identifying trees species is the leaves. There are three basic leaf types: needles, scales and broadleaf. Most evergreens have needles or scales, while most broadleaf trees are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves when dormant.

Do all black walnut trees produce nuts?

Every black walnut tree grows wood in the form of limbs, trunk and roots. And as the tree matures, every walnut tree will produce at least a small nut crop.

Can I eat black walnuts from my tree?

Black walnuts are one of the most flavorful nuts for snacking, baking, and cooking. These hard-shelled fruits have a sweet, delicate walnut flavor and are one of the most expensive nuts on the market. If you have a chance at harvesting black walnut trees, take it!

What does black walnut look like in spring?

They’re usually light green in the spring and summer, and turn bright yellow in the fall. The walnut tree should have leaves from April until about November, depending on the temperature.

Do squirrels eat black walnuts?

Is there a female and male walnut tree?

Walnut trees are wind-pollinated and classified as monoecious; male and female flowers are on the same tree, but separated from each other. However, the male flowers on a given tree do not normally shed pollen when the female flowers on that tree are receptive.

How do I sell my black walnut tree?

Call or email several professional loggers. Explain that you have a mature black walnut tree you wish to sell. Meet and interview each logger. Request local verifiable references and a blank copy of their contracts.

Are all walnut trees worth money?

Bigger trees have more board-feet volume, so there is more value. The most valuable trees I’ve seen in my 35-year career have been over 30 inches in diameter and larger. For example, a black walnut that is Grade A veneer at 19 inches diameter will be worth about $700 or $800.

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Why is black walnut so expensive?

Walnut is more expensive as it is a bit rarer due to natural limitations such as size. Ash, Maple, and Cherry are more abundant as they grow larger but have highly sought after aesthetics in the grain which make them less expensive than Walnut but more expensive than some hardwoods.

What can you not plant near a black walnut tree?

Avoid planting vegetables that are sensitive to juglone, such as asparagus, cabbage, eggplant, peas, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes.

Are black walnuts poisonous?

An unpleasant toxic surprise Black walnut trees produce a toxic chemical called juglone, a chemical so strong it can damage and even kill off vegetative growth around these trees and is blamed for issues in horses who are exposed to black walnut shavings.

What state has the most black walnut trees?

Missouri Missouri had the most black walnut trees (57.9 million), followed by Ohio (24.6 million), and Kentucky (24.5 million). Together, these three states accounted for 35% of the total number of live black walnut trees on forest land.

Why are black walnut trees bad?

Black walnut trees have a well-deserved reputation for making life difficult for gardeners because they release a toxic compound called juglone, which can adversely affect many kinds of plants. … The roots are also toxic and juglone can persist in dead wood for years even after the tree is removed.

Do black walnut trees produce nuts every year?

Walnut trees are capable of producing nuts every year, but you may experience patterns of high and low yields from year to year. Like many trees that produce nuts and fruits, walnut trees are prone to a reproductive pattern known as alternate bearing.

How do you identify a tree with a phone?

The free mobile application application is called Leafsnap, and it uses visual recognition software to identify tree species from photographs of leaves that users upload to their phones. Leafsnap was developed in 2011 by scientists from Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution.

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Is there a free app to identify trees?

Leafsnap is a new free app that identifies trees. Go for a walk, take a shot of a leaf and this little wonder will identify its tree and give all kinds of information about it. The app is a result of a collaboration between Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution.

Can Google identify trees?

You can use Google Lens to identify real-world objects with your camera and find information about plants, animals, landmarks, restaurants, products, and more.

How many years does it take for a walnut tree to bear fruit?

Stark Bro’s Nut Trees – Years Until Harvest

Nut Tree TypesYears Until Harvest
English Walnut Trees (Grafted)4-5 years
English Walnut Trees (Seedling)4-7 years
Filbert-Hazelnut Trees6-8+ years
Heartnut Trees (Grafted)3-6 years

What is the lifespan of a black walnut tree?

Black walnut grows slowly, maturing on good soils in about 150 years; it may have a life span of more than 250 years.

Are black walnuts poisonous to dogs?

The black walnut tree is native in many areas of North America and also produces an edible nut. Pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of this tree; ingestion of the wood or of the nuts and shells can result in a lethal toxicity to canines.

How do I identify a black walnut tree? - Studybuff (1)

Perrine Juillion

Graduated from ENSAT (national agronomic school of Toulouse) in plant sciences in 2018, I pursued a CIFRE doctorate under contract with Sun’Agri and INRAE ​​in Avignon between 2019 and 2022. My thesis aimed to study dynamic agrivoltaic systems, in my case in arboriculture. I love to write and share science related Stuff Here on my Website. I am currently continuing at Sun’Agri as an R&D engineer.

FAQs

How do I identify a black walnut tree? ›

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

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.

How to tell the difference between a butternut and a black walnut tree? ›

There are two easy ways to tell a butternut from a black walnut. The first is the nuts of black walnuts are round, while butternuts are more barrel shaped. The second is the bark. Black walnuts have a dark brown deeply furrowed bark at maturity, while butternuts have a smooth, whitish grey colored bark.

What trees are mistaken for black walnut? ›

Two trees that can be confused with black walnut because they often grow in the same area are the highly invasive tree of heaven and the native staghorn sumac.

How to tell the difference between walnut and black walnut wood? ›

There is no difference between Walnut wood and Black Walnut wood. In the Forest 2 Home shop, Walnut wood is manufactured from Black Walnut trees that grow responsibly and are sustainably harvested within a 100 mile radius from our manufacturing facilities.

How to tell the difference between black walnut and English walnut? ›

Nearly all Black Walnuts come from trees growing in the wild, while English walnuts come from orchards. The main difference between Black Walnuts and English walnuts are the rich, bold, distinctive flavor of the Black Walnut.

Do all black walnut trees bear nuts? ›

Every black walnut tree grows wood in the form of limbs, trunk and roots. And as the tree matures, every walnut tree will produce at least a small nut crop.

How can you tell the difference between hickory and black walnut? ›

In contrast to the husks surrounding hickory nuts, the husk of a walnut fruit is somewhat spongy and does not split open because it lacks sutures. The nuts of walnuts also have a more corrugated and rough surface than hickory nuts.

What does the fruit of a black walnut tree look like? ›

The fruit is a round nut, 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter composed of a single seed enclosed by a hard, corrugated shell and a green, semi-fleshy husk that eventually turns black. The bark is dark gray or black, deeply furrowed, with interconnecting ridges that become thick and blocky on larger slow growing trees.

How many different types of black walnut trees are there? ›

There are 21 species in the genus that range across the north temperate Old World from southeast Europe east to Japan, and more widely in the New World from southeast Canada west to California and south to Argentina.

What walnut trees are worth money? ›

The Black Walnut is one of the most expensive and lucrative trees to sell, thanks to its high-quality dark wood. The tree ranges from $5- $10 per board foot, although it can cost more depending on other factors. In most cases, your 20-inch tree can fetch you $700- $800.

How deep are black walnut tree roots? ›

The black walnut is grandiose, with a deep taproot system spreading 50-75 feet.

What is the closest wood to black walnut? ›

Alder, poplar, red gum, oak, or mahogany can also be stained to resemble walnut. However, no two types of wood are identical. Even if you successfully stain your chosen wood to imitate walnut, the grain and pore structure will vary slightly. If you're looking for wood similar to walnut, acacia is the answer.

What not to plant near a black walnut tree? ›

Avoid planting vegetables that are sensitive to juglone, such as asparagus, cabbage, eggplant, peas, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes.

Do black walnut trees produce black walnuts every year? ›

Healthy and mature walnut trees produce from 66 to 350 lbs. (30 to 160 kg) of nuts, but this production cannot be achieved every year. The tree has an inherent tendency towards alternate bearing, and it usually yields a good production in every other year.

What are the characteristics of black walnut wood? ›

Black walnut wood is dark, hard, dense and tight-grained. It's prized by woodworkers for its strength, grain and color. It polishes to a very smooth finish, and the color ranges from creamy white in the sapwood to a dark chocolate in the heartwood. Over the years, natural walnut wood develops a lustrous patina.

What are two differences between walnut and black walnut? ›

Well, the Black Walnut was in fact part of many native American diets but most of the walnuts we eat today are actually English walnuts, which have a milder taste and broader appeal. They also have thinner, easier-to-crack shells. Black Walnuts on the other hand have a bolder, earthier flavor.

What state has the most black walnut trees? ›

Missouri had the most black walnut trees (57.9 million), followed by Ohio (24.6 million), and Kentucky (24.5 million). Together, these three states accounted for 35% of the total number of live black walnut trees on forest land.

What is black walnut versus regular? ›

Black walnuts have higher levels of antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other health-promoting compounds than the more common English walnuts, making them useful in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

What animals Cannot eat black walnuts? ›

Though people don't commonly eat this type of walnut, black walnuts are still extremely toxic to dogs; along with pecans, black walnuts may contain a toxic chemical called juglone. For dogs (and horses), consuming juglone can cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems like upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What animal eats black walnuts? ›

Despite that pulpy covering and the hard shell around the nut kernels, they are a useful food for squirrels as well as raccoons, turkeys and bears.

Why are there no nuts on my black walnut tree? ›

On average, walnuts are not produced until a tree is 7 to 8 years old. Subsequently, they may not produce nuts every year as they are biennial bearing, generating mostly flowers one year and nuts the next. Other factors, such as pollination, shade, drought and disease will also affect yield.

What color is the bark of a black walnut tree? ›

Bark: Brown on surface, darker brown when cut, ridged and furrowed with a rough diamond pattern. Form: A medium to large tree up to 100 feet in height that developes a straight, clear bole with a narrow crown under competition, twigs and branches quite stout.

What does a black hickory look like? ›

Black hickory is a small to medium tree with short, crooked branches and a narrow crown. Leaves are alternate, feather-compound, 8–12 inches long. Leaflets usually 7, lance- to pear-shaped, 4–6 inches long, toothed; lower surface yellow-green with rusty hairs; leaf stalks with rusty hairs and tiny scales.

Can you eat black walnuts straight from the tree? ›

Black walnuts can be enjoyed raw and have an interestingly sweet and earthy taste to them that goes great on top of desserts, such as ice cream or cupcakes. They can also be dipped in a sugar syrup and enjoyed as a candy or ground to a meal and made into a flour.

What is the lifespan of a black walnut tree? ›

Black walnut grows slowly, maturing on good soils in about 150 years; it may have a life span of more than 250 years.

Can you eat walnuts straight from the tree? ›

Once you are done harvesting the walnuts, you can eat them right away, but keep in mind they won't be quite like those purchased ones at the grocers. The nuts will be rubbery in texture and are, thus, usually dried which also extends their shelf life.

Are there male and female black walnut trees? ›

Black walnut flowers May through June. The male flowers are yellow-green catkins that droop from the tree while the female flowers are in spikes. Trees will contain both male and female flowers and are capable of self fertilization. However, this tree is primarily wind pollinated.

How long does it take for a black walnut tree to bear fruit? ›

The fruit consists of three layers: a green, fleshy husk; a black inner shell that is hard, thick and corrugated; and the kernel, which is oily and sweet. Begins to bear nuts in 12–15 years.

Do you need two black walnut trees to produce fruit? ›

All walnut varieties are self-fertile, meaning that the pollen can travel from the male parts to the female parts of the same tree and under this procedure the tree can produce nuts. Thus, a single tree can theoretically produce nuts without needing other walnut trees around.

How much is a mature black walnut worth? ›

At the time of writing this article in 2022, black walnut tree value ranges from $5 to $10 per board foot… if not higher in some cases.

What is the most valuable tree for lumber? ›

Sequoia has attained the status of the most expensive wood in the world, costing up to €1500 per cubic metre. The tree, named in honour of the Cherokee chief Sequoyah, is an emblem of the United States. Its habitat is found almost exclusively in North America, more specifically on the coasts of California and Oregon.

What is the highest grade walnut? ›

Grade: First and Seconds (FAS)

Above grade Walnut can be found in wide and long boards, but you will pay a premium for it. This is the highest grade, and NHLA states for all lumber the following: 83.3% clear of defect on both faces.

Do deer eat black walnuts? ›

Deer-resistant black walnuts

Deer do not usually eat black walnuts because their nuts are too hard to crack. Black walnuts also make a great cover scent against deer and other mammals. Deer do not like that pungent smell that their shells give off. Deer will also eat tiny small walnut seedlings and sprouts from stumps.

Where do black walnut trees grow the most? ›

Black walnut typically grows as scattered individual trees or in small groups throughout the central and eastern parts of the United States. Although it is found on a variety of sites, black walnut grows best on good sites in coves and well-drained bottoms in the Appalachians and the Midwest.

Can you grow a black walnut tree from a branch? ›

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) has been propagated by budding, grafting, and layering. In addition, several investigators have successfully rooted cuttings with indolebutyric acid (1,2), but these studies utilized juvenile wood of etiolated or adventitious origin. Rooting of adult wood is more difficult.

Is black walnut stronger than oak? ›

After all, they're both materials that are popularly used for hardwood flooring. That being said, oak is a slightly stronger hardwood product than walnut. Oak is one of the stronger and more durable natural wood options available for kitchen cabinets.

What wood is harder than walnut? ›

As you can see in the accompanying graph, rock maple is the hardest of these four hardwoods - about 15% harder than red oak, which ranks second. Black walnut ranks third in hardness - about 20% below red oak. Cherry is another 5% or so softer than walnut.

Which is harder oak or black walnut? ›

Durability. Walnut is rated at a 1010 on the Janka Hardness Scale. European Oak is a 1360 on the same scale. This means that Oak is more durable than Walnut and will stand up better against constant use and daily wear and tear.

How do you neutralize juglone? ›

How Do You Neutralize Juglone? Juglone cannot be easily neutralized – and it can persist in your soil for years, so even the most vigilant property owners may find this challenging. Since juglone is present in all parts of the tree but is especially strong in the roots, which extend far beyond the canopy.

Can you plant vegetables under a black walnut tree? ›

There are lots of vegetables that you can grow near black walnut trees, including things like parsnips, beets, carrots, onions, corn, melons, squash, beans, lima beans, snap beans, cherries, and black raspberries.

What are the symptoms of juglone poisoning in humans? ›

Black walnut

Juglone, a toxic compound found in all parts of plants of the walnut tree family Jugans, is the toxic component. Most common clinical signs were moderate to severe laminitis (Obel grade 2 or 3), pitting edema of the distal portion of the limbs and rapid respiratory rate.

What month do black walnuts drop? ›

Black walnuts have a yellow-green husk that turns dark brown as it ages. They are about two inches in diameter and fall to the ground when they're ready to harvest, which is September to October for most of the United States.

What do black walnuts look like when they are ready to harvest? ›

How to tell when black walnuts are ready to harvest: When the husk is brown, is cracked, gives in to pressure, or peels away easily from the nut inside. Walnuts that are still green on the outside are okay to pick, but require more work to get to the nut meat.

Is a black walnut tree worth money? ›

The Black Walnut is one of the most expensive and lucrative trees to sell, thanks to its high-quality dark wood. The tree ranges from $5- $10 per board foot, although it can cost more depending on other factors. In most cases, your 20-inch tree can fetch you $700- $800.

Do all black walnut trees have nuts? ›

Every black walnut tree grows wood in the form of limbs, trunk and roots. And as the tree matures, every walnut tree will produce at least a small nut crop.

What are the physical characteristics of a black walnut tree? ›

On the best sites this tree may reach up to 150 feet tall and over 8 feet in diameter. When grown at low stocking or in open fields, black walnut produces a short, wide spreading crown. A deep, wide spreading root system supports this large tree. Mature trees have a deeply furrowed gray- brown to nearly black bark.

Where are most black walnut trees found? ›

Black walnut typically grows as scattered individual trees or in small groups throughout the central and eastern parts of the United States. Although it is found on a variety of sites, black walnut grows best on good sites in coves and well-drained bottoms in the Appalachians and the Midwest.

What is the life expectancy of a black walnut tree? ›

Black walnut grows slowly, maturing on good soils in about 150 years; it may have a life span of more than 250 years.

What tree is worth the most money? ›

Type of TreeSize of TreeAverage Value of Tree
1. Poplar TreeCircumference: 40 inches Height: 60 feet$840
2. Loblolly Pine TreeCircumference: 40 inches Height: 60 feet$1,320
3. Birch TreeCircumference: 40 inches Height: 60 feet$1,560
4. Douglas Fir TreeCircumference: 40 inches Height: 60 feet$2,250
1 more row
May 2, 2023

Is black walnut more expensive than oak? ›

Walnut and oak, while both premier cabinet wood species, can come at significantly different price points. Walnut will almost always be more expensive than oak. That's because walnut is not as populous, which results in it being harder to source and more expensive.

What is the fruit of a black walnut tree called? ›

Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra) is a perennial, stone fruit tree native to Eastern North America, commonly found in riparian zones (area between water and land). Technically the walnut produces a fruit called a “drupe” and is not a true nut!

What is a fun fact about black walnut trees? ›

Interesting Facts

Black walnut leaves, bark, nut husks, and roots contain "juglone," a chemical that is lethal to and prevents the growth of many other plants within the tree's rooting zone. Paper birch, red pine, white pine, Scotch pine, and apple are reportedly sensitive to this toxin.

Are black walnuts edible? ›

Black walnuts can be enjoyed raw and have an interestingly sweet and earthy taste to them that goes great on top of desserts, such as ice cream or cupcakes. They can also be dipped in a sugar syrup and enjoyed as a candy or ground to a meal and made into a flour.

What state has the most walnut trees? ›

Domestically, California is the nation's number one walnut producer, accounting for nearly all walnuts produced in the U.S. (Fig 1).

How deep are black walnut roots? ›

The black walnut is grandiose, with a deep taproot system spreading 50-75 feet.

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