About the Black Walnut :
The Black Walnut tree, Juglans nigra, is prized
for its wood and shade. Black Walnut trees are a
large, moderately growing, majestic tree. This
deciduous tree makes a wonderful shade tree, and
when planted for a wood plantation, makes a great
long-term investment. This tree has moderate water
requirements and is tolerant to drought. It has
massive, upright spreading, open branches.
The nuts are large and plump and crack out of the
shell easily. The roots of the black walnut produce
a substance known as juglone
(5-hydroxy-alpha-napthaquinone). This biochemical is
toxic to many plants such as the tomato, potato,
black and blue berries, and other plants that may
grow within a 50 to 60 foot radius of the trunk. Not
all plants are sensitive to juglone and many trees,
vines, shrubs, and flowers will thrive in close
proximity to a Black Walnut tree.
