Black Walnut
(Juglans nigra)
Research conducted by: Sophia McCarthy & Savannah Kanso, Grosse Ile High School StudentsGeneral
Characteristics:
Upright spreading open form, with an ovid crown and a tall trunk, and a very deep taproot making it difficult to transplant.
Range Massachusetts through southern Ontario to South Dakota south to Florida and Texas
Its a large tree with a straight trunk and a round open crown, the nuts have a spicy odor, the leaves are large and feathery.
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Commercial Value:
They are often called the money in the bank because they wont help the person who planted it but the next generation will be able to use its wood for furniture, as well as flooring, veneer, and gunstocks.
Wildlife Value:
Many animals such as squirrels racoons and turkeys eat the nuts, birds live in the trees
The nuts are eaten by rodents including mice and squirrels. The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of luna moths, regal moths, and others. The presence of such caterpillars naturally attracts many birds.
Glomus species form a relationship with black walnut seedlings.
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Interesting Tidbits:
They grow up tp 90 feet tall. Black walnut trees have a chemical called juglone that prevents the growth of other plants within the trees rooting zone.
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Citations https://nurturenaturecenter.org/out-and-about/black-walnut-trees/
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Additional Information from Doug Thiel.
General Characteristics: Ranges in height from 70–150 feet and have a diameter of two to four feet. Are fairly abundant on Grosse Ile although there are very few young trees replacing the older trees that are dying off. Has deep furrowed dark brown to black bark. Likes deep, well-drained soils. Usually occurs as scattered trees or in small groves. The fruit grows either singly or in groups of tow or three. They are round in shape and are
typically two inches or larger in diameter. The outer husk is yellow-green but quickly turns black after falling to the ground. Has a sweet tasting nut.
Commercial Value: Excellent wood used for cabinets and gunstocks. Many woodworkers claim it is the finest wood available. Its wood is very strong and it does not warp, shrink or splinter.
Wildlife Value: Nuts serve as a food for many animal species including squirrels and chipmunks.
Interesting Tidbits: The richly favored nuts are used by bakers, candy and ice cream makers. Black walnut leaves, fruit and twigs contain a growth-inhibiting chemical called “juglone” which keeps many other trees and plants from growing near it.