This massive tree grows 50 to 90 feet tall with a 3- to 6-foot diameter trunk when mature. It has an upright form and oval-shaped crown that begins its spread around 20 feet above the ground. Black walnut is renowed for its sweet nuts and superb wood. Makes a great shade tree. Ideal for meadows or woodlands. 
 
The leaves, stems, and roots contain juglone, which inhibits the growth of some plants beneath the tree's dripline.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 50-90' tall. 
 
Requires full or part sun.
 
Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils but adapts to a variety of soils, including clay and sandy. Tolerates dry or occasionally wet soils.
 
Short-spiked, yellowish-green catkins 2 ½ to 5 ½ long appear from April to May. Male and female flowers are on the same tree. Fruits--usually single but sometimes in pairs--are green, rounded, 2" husks containing a hard, dark brown nut. 
 
Long, feather-compound, yellowish-green leaves are 12-24" long with 11-23 leaflets. They emerge in late spring, turning green and then a bright, clear yellow in fall. Leaves tend to drop earlier than those of other trees.
 
Distinctive brown bark has a rough diamond pattern.
 
Wildlife Value:
136 species of Lepidoptera larvae use black walnut as a host plant, including green luna, walnut sphinx, royal walnut, and prominent moths.  Squirrels and mice gather and store the nuts in various places, thus helping to facilitate the tree's spread. Many animals live and hunt in large trees such as black walnut.
 
Medicinal, Edible and Other Uses:
Native Americans created a paste from the leaves and husk of the fruit for treatment of ringworm, athlete's foot, hemorrhoids, and as an insecticide. Modern-day herbalists use tinctures of the husk to treat parasites.
 
Caution: Horses and dogs are sensitive to juglone and may become ill if exposed to it.