Black Walnut

Black Walnut is native to the Midwest and east central US. It has bark that is grey-black and deeply furrowed. The whole fruit, including the husk, falls in October; the seed is relatively small and very hard. The tree tends to crop more heavily in alternate years after 12 – 15 years of growth. The tree is self-fertile but requires wind for pollination (multiple trees recommended to ensure pollination). It thrives in full sun with at least 6 hrs. of direct, unfiltered sunlight a day. The Black Walnut grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It can be toxic to certain trees and plants (chestnuts, pines, arborvitae, apples, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, peppers, cabbages, alfalfa, blueberries blackberries, azaleas, rhododendron, lilacs, hydrangeas, privets and plants in the heath family--if planted too close.