tree
Black walnut
Juglans nigra
CautionEdiblecommon
Chambered pith, tennis-ball green husks, rich oily nuts. Hulls stain everything.
Long compound leaves, dark furrowed bark, and a chocolate-brown chambered pith in twigs. Husks are thick and lime-scented.
- Habitat
- Cove woods, fencerows, old home places.
- Season
- Nuts September–October.
- Size
- 70–100 ft
- Field marks
- Chambered pith; lime-green husk; dark bark
Fresh hull juice stains skin for days and can blister some people.
Use
Premier eating nut (dry and cure 2–3 weeks). Dye and husk stain. Valuable timber. Do not compost husks near tomatoes — juglone.