Understory
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Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

EdibleZones 49canopy

Even more strongly allelopathic than common walnut, so give it its own zone. Magnificent timber and rich nuts for the patient.

Juglans nigra, the eastern American black walnut, is a species of deciduous tree in the walnut family, Juglandaceae, native to central and eastern North America, growing mostly in riparian zones.

Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

At a glance

Sunlight
Full sun
Water need
Medium
Mature height
20 m
Maintenance
Low
Hardiness
USDA 4–9
Layers
canopy

Functional roles

foodnutwildlife

Pollination & soil

Self-fertile — one plant will crop

Largely self-fertile; a second tree improves cropping.

Soil
medium/loam, heavy/clay
pH
Neutral

Deep, rich, moist soil.

Propagation

How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.

seedgraftingmoderate

When: Sow fresh nuts autumn

Companions & conflicts

  • AppleStrong juglone producer; keep well away from apples and most crops.

Prized timber and rich nuts, but very allelopathic (juglone) — give it its own area.

Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.