Juglans nigra Seeds | Black Walnut
LATIN NAME: Juglans nigra
COMMON NAME: Black Walnut
Plant Profile
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) grows as a tree in the walnut family. It stands cold well, and it likes sun, and deep, rich, well-drained soil. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the walnut family regularly include Juglans nigra in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. In walnut family, black walnut holds a leading place in studies of nut-bearing timber trees, and species appears in research on nut chemistry and deep river-soil growth. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.
Uses & Benefits
Black Walnut works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In large garden and woodland, black walnut walnuts autumn with rich, ridged nuts. Kernels serve baking and fresh eating, dark timber serves fine furniture and gunstocks, and broad crown gives deep shade. It thrives in deep, rich, well-drained, sunny ground. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Walnuts are among the most heart-studied nuts, rich in omega-3 ALA and polyphenols, with trials supporting vascular benefits; black walnut hull is a traditional astringent folk remedy, and the wood is peerless cabinet timber.
Growing from Seed
Black Walnut is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Attention to moisture in the first weeks pays off; later, the plant is forgiving.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Black Walnut: