Juglans Nigra - Black Walnut Tree

Black Walnut, or Juglans Nigra, to give it its full botanical name, is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree. Highly-decorative and exceptionally robust, this stately fruiting tree can be grown as focus of interest in the garden or a shade tree.

With a bushy habit and a broad crown, the Juglas Nigra tree’s grand form is impressive. Large pinnate leaves, composed of 15-21 lanceolate leaflets each, emerge bright green in the spring, and are early to drop in autumn, but not before they turn a warm yellow. The long, male catkins and inconspicous green female flowers are followed by a crop of nuts, encased in greenish husks generally borne in pairs. The nuts are ripe in the autumn and are edible. Throughout the winter, the deeply furrowed bark of the tree stand out in the landscape.

Juglans Nigra is easy to grow and to care for. Even though it is quite adaptable when it comes to soil type, this variety needs moist but well-drained soil to thrive. For best results, make sure that the soil is also rich in nutrients and deep. It can grow only in full sun, in exposed and sheltered locations.

Native to the United States, this black walnut tree naturally occurs in woodland environment and valleys near streams. Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, this nut tree can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero. Due to its good constitution and track record in the garden, as well as its many qualities, Juglans Nigra has received the Award of Garden Merit by Royal Horticultural Society.

Easy to grow and to care for, this cultivar needs no pruning to stay in shape. Routine removal of any dead or damaged shoots is enough to keep this low-maintenance tree in top form. Rarely affected by pest and diseases.

Fast-growing, Black Walnut can achieve a maximum height of 30 metres, and its ultimate width can be up to 20 metres. Considering its imposing size in maturity, this imposing tree is best suited to larger gardens.

A deciduous tree with multiple seasons of interest, Black Walnut is a good choice for a specimen tree in spacious gardens. Grow it on a generously sized lawn for its ornamental value, or plant near a patio, where it can provide shade for the better part of the year and add interest to the landscape.