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Black walnut

Juglans nigra
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Juglans nigra (Black walnut) — botanical photograph
Pl. 63F8 — Juglans nigra
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I

Overview

The Black walnut is a perennial tree native to a broad range of eastern North America, from Alabama to Connecticut. It is known for its edible parts, including sap and seeds. Additionally, medicinal use of this plant has been documented. As a tree, it can grow quite tall and thrives in a variety of conditions, including different soil types and pH levels. One of its distinctive features is its ability to tolerate a range of soils, from light and sandy to heavy and clay-based. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a notable species in its native range, where it can be found in many states and provinces, including Ontario.

Quick answers

What is Black walnut?

The Black walnut is a perennial tree native to a broad range of eastern North America, from Alabama to Connecticut. It is known for its edible parts, including sap and seeds. Additionally, medicinal use of this plant has been documented.

What is Black walnut used for?

Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Black walnut
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Black walnut has been traditionally used in North American herbalism to support digestive health, particularly for intestinal parasites. A decoction of the hulls is commonly prepared and taken as an adjunct remedy.

    The active compounds juglone and tannins are thought to have anthelmintic properties, disrupting the metabolism of parasitic worms in the gut. However, the exact mechanism is not fully characterised.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Black walnut support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

This tree prefers well-lit conditions, with a light requirement of 7 out of 10. It thrives in a variety of soils, including light, medium, and heavy soils, with a pH range of 4.6 to 8.2. Moisture levels should be maintained, with consistent water supply. Hardy in zones 4-9, it is a perennial species that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Propagation can be achieved through its edible seeds, which are also a desirable part of the tree, along with its sap.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.6–8.2
For first-time growers

How to grow Black walnut for the first time

8steps

Start with a Black walnut tree to experience the basics of growing this hardy tree.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Black walnut sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the area receives full sun.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young saplings directly into the ground. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with compost or well-rotted manure.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:SapSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Sweetener
Other uses:CraftingCompostDyeFilterHerbicidePest controloilTanninLumberDynamic accumulatorFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

36 native · 16 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 36 native· 16 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkGermanyHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussia
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
introduced:Czechoslovakia, New Mexico, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Vermont, West Himalaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Juglans nigra (Black walnut) — botanical photograph
Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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