Common Name: Eastern Black Walnut
Scientific Name: Juglans nigra
Angiosperm or Gymnosperm? Angiosperm. The mature seed is surrounded by the ovule.
Brief Description: The Eastern Black Walnut is a tall with brown bark and long leaves. It produces walnuts with a hard, rough shell around the nut. It has been used for many health purposes as well as producing a beautiful finished wood and a nutrient rich nut.
Ethnobotany
Walnut is among the finest wood in the world. The sap of walnut is creamy white, while the heartwood is rich dark brown to purplish-black and is usually straight grained, sometimes a wavy or curly grain. The timber is very easy to cut and the wood has excellent finishing characteristics. Along with its extravogent look, it has many benefits to human health and other uses. People use the outer covering of the nut, the hull, to make medicine. Black walnut is used to treat parasitic worm infections and certain other infections like diphtheria and syphilis. It is also used for leukemia. Some people use black walnut as a gargle, apply it to the scalp as hair dye, or put it on the skin to treat wounds. Walnut hulls can also be used in metal cleaning and polishing, oil well drilling, painting, cosmetics and explosives. Processed hulls are also used as gas mask filters. Walnuts were part of the pharmacopeia of folk medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Comanche utilized the husk in a treatment for ringworm. The Houma people used an infusion of walnut husks as a dermatologic aid. American Pioneers used black walnut extract as an astringent, a laxative, a vermifuge, and as a treatment for scorpion bites.
Black walnut hulls contains a large amount of chemicals called tannins. Tannins absorb substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking black walnut along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medicine.
Today scientists are keeping an eye on Black Walnut for its potential in cancer treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, "studies in the lab have suggested that a compound called juglone, which is present in black walnut, may have some anti-tumor activity"(Blaine, 2011).
Walnut is among the finest wood in the world. The sap of walnut is creamy white, while the heartwood is rich dark brown to purplish-black and is usually straight grained, sometimes a wavy or curly grain. The timber is very easy to cut and the wood has excellent finishing characteristics. Along with its extravogent look, it has many benefits to human health and other uses. People use the outer covering of the nut, the hull, to make medicine. Black walnut is used to treat parasitic worm infections and certain other infections like diphtheria and syphilis. It is also used for leukemia. Some people use black walnut as a gargle, apply it to the scalp as hair dye, or put it on the skin to treat wounds. Walnut hulls can also be used in metal cleaning and polishing, oil well drilling, painting, cosmetics and explosives. Processed hulls are also used as gas mask filters. Walnuts were part of the pharmacopeia of folk medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Comanche utilized the husk in a treatment for ringworm. The Houma people used an infusion of walnut husks as a dermatologic aid. American Pioneers used black walnut extract as an astringent, a laxative, a vermifuge, and as a treatment for scorpion bites.
Black walnut hulls contains a large amount of chemicals called tannins. Tannins absorb substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking black walnut along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medicine.
Today scientists are keeping an eye on Black Walnut for its potential in cancer treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, "studies in the lab have suggested that a compound called juglone, which is present in black walnut, may have some anti-tumor activity"(Blaine, 2011).
Natural Habitat
Black walnut is one of six walnut species found in the United States; about 15 species are found worldwide. Black Walnuts grow mainly in the Eastern and Central United States but they occur in moderate numbers nearly everywhere in the U.S. east of the Great Plains, except for New England and south Florida.
Black walnut is one of six walnut species found in the United States; about 15 species are found worldwide. Black Walnuts grow mainly in the Eastern and Central United States but they occur in moderate numbers nearly everywhere in the U.S. east of the Great Plains, except for New England and south Florida.
Nut/Seed
The nut has a rough, hard shell that protects the edible seed. Fruits are usually produced in clusters of 2 to 3. The seed is sweet, oily and high in protein. Walnuts supply omega-3 fat, or "good fat", essential minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Studies link walnuts to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and stress.
The nut has a rough, hard shell that protects the edible seed. Fruits are usually produced in clusters of 2 to 3. The seed is sweet, oily and high in protein. Walnuts supply omega-3 fat, or "good fat", essential minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Studies link walnuts to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and stress.
Bark
The bark of the Black Walnut tree is brown on the surface, yet darker brown when cut. Black walnuts have tight bark with criss-crossing furrows forming a lattice pattern.
The bark of the Black Walnut tree is brown on the surface, yet darker brown when cut. Black walnuts have tight bark with criss-crossing furrows forming a lattice pattern.
Germination/Pollination
Walnuts that fall in deep, fertile soils have the best chance of sprouting into new trees. Black walnuts require a period of stratification, in which the seeds are placed between layers of earth. This cold treatment requires at least 20 days in a temperature between 34 and 41 degrees F. The seeds begin to grow into new trees with sunlight, warmth, soil nutrients, and moisture. Black walnut trees have small clusters of tiny, green blossoms in early spring. As the nuts mature, they begin to turn dark and form a hard covering, known as the shell. The nuts dry on the branches and fall to the ground.
While much more improvement has been reported for nut production than for growth, there may be growth benefits associated with slow-release fertilizer materials such as poultry litter. It has been reported that pole-size black walnut fertilizer had better diameter growth than unfertilized trees and that the duration of the response was longer with slow-release fertilizer than with commercial fertilizer(Ponder&Jones&Mueller, 2005).
Walnut are monoecious, meaning separate male and female flowers are produced on the same tree. The species are cross-compatible, meaning they are able to pollinate other trees from the same genera but different species. Walnuts rely on wind for pollination so they need to be in close proximity to ensure fruit set. It is not common, but some trees will self-pollinate. To ensure pollination, plant walnuts in small groves. Black walnuts need to be cured after picking. You must remove the hull and store in layers for 2-3 weeks, in a place that is cool, dry, well ventilated, and out of direct sunlight.
Walnuts that fall in deep, fertile soils have the best chance of sprouting into new trees. Black walnuts require a period of stratification, in which the seeds are placed between layers of earth. This cold treatment requires at least 20 days in a temperature between 34 and 41 degrees F. The seeds begin to grow into new trees with sunlight, warmth, soil nutrients, and moisture. Black walnut trees have small clusters of tiny, green blossoms in early spring. As the nuts mature, they begin to turn dark and form a hard covering, known as the shell. The nuts dry on the branches and fall to the ground.
While much more improvement has been reported for nut production than for growth, there may be growth benefits associated with slow-release fertilizer materials such as poultry litter. It has been reported that pole-size black walnut fertilizer had better diameter growth than unfertilized trees and that the duration of the response was longer with slow-release fertilizer than with commercial fertilizer(Ponder&Jones&Mueller, 2005).
Walnut are monoecious, meaning separate male and female flowers are produced on the same tree. The species are cross-compatible, meaning they are able to pollinate other trees from the same genera but different species. Walnuts rely on wind for pollination so they need to be in close proximity to ensure fruit set. It is not common, but some trees will self-pollinate. To ensure pollination, plant walnuts in small groves. Black walnuts need to be cured after picking. You must remove the hull and store in layers for 2-3 weeks, in a place that is cool, dry, well ventilated, and out of direct sunlight.
Plants/Animals
Scientists isolated a compound called juglone from the fruit of walnuts. They demonstrated that injury and sometimes death result when this phytotoxic material interacts with susceptible plants(Jauron, 1995). Because of this, black walnut trees often stand alone in the forest. However, not all plants are sensitive to juglone. Some trees, vines, shrubs, and groundcovers can grow in close proximity to a walnut tree. Tomato, potato, blackberry, blueberry, red pine, apple and many other plants may be injured or killed within one to two months of growth within the root zone of these trees.
Many animals eat the walnuts; including squirrels, turkeys, raccoons and bears. Squirrels and small rodents sometimes transport these seeds to other locations, causing the black walnuts to form groves and forests.
Lamintis is a painful disease that affects the horse's feet. Using black walnut lumber could increase the risk of exposure for horses when wood shavings are used as bedding. Lamintis can develop when small amounts of walnut shavings or dust are in the bedding. There have been many reported cases of Black Walnut poisoning resulting in lamintis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, can result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses(Stokke&Bowe, 2005).
Scientists isolated a compound called juglone from the fruit of walnuts. They demonstrated that injury and sometimes death result when this phytotoxic material interacts with susceptible plants(Jauron, 1995). Because of this, black walnut trees often stand alone in the forest. However, not all plants are sensitive to juglone. Some trees, vines, shrubs, and groundcovers can grow in close proximity to a walnut tree. Tomato, potato, blackberry, blueberry, red pine, apple and many other plants may be injured or killed within one to two months of growth within the root zone of these trees.
Many animals eat the walnuts; including squirrels, turkeys, raccoons and bears. Squirrels and small rodents sometimes transport these seeds to other locations, causing the black walnuts to form groves and forests.
Lamintis is a painful disease that affects the horse's feet. Using black walnut lumber could increase the risk of exposure for horses when wood shavings are used as bedding. Lamintis can develop when small amounts of walnut shavings or dust are in the bedding. There have been many reported cases of Black Walnut poisoning resulting in lamintis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, can result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses(Stokke&Bowe, 2005).
Creative Writing
Little old George Jones was a 65-year-old man; short, a little overweight, and retired. He got around well for his age and was pretty healthy. On the other hand, his wife, Suzie, was very fragile and immobile. They lived on about five acres in a nice neighborhood, in a house they had lived in for 20 years. George spent most of his days relaxing on the back porch with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, while his wife rested in bed, watching television and occasionally reading a novel. His view of the backyard from his seat on the porch consisted of a black walnut tree and a bunch of empty space.
One afternoon, while admiring his precious piece of property, George decided to be active and take on a new project. His idea was to build a garden to supply himself and Suzie with fresh fruits and vegetables. He immediately went to the nursery and purchased what he needed to build his garden. He got right to work and planted all his seeds. His garden consisted of tomatoes, potatoes, blackberries, and carrots. George checked on his garden and watered his seeds every day. He waited anxiously for the first sign of growth to appear.
After a month had past and there was still no sign of progress, George began to wonder what he was doing wrong. He made many trips to the nursery, asking for advice on how to get his plants to grow. On one occasion, he bought more fertilizer. On another, he purchased new soil. Nothing seemed to help his garden grow.
Two months later, while sitting on the porch with his coffee and paper, George came across an article about black walnut trees. After reading the article, George immediately knew why his garden was so troubled. His plants were being poisoned by juglone, a chemical found in the fruit of walnuts, because he had planted his garden too close to the tree.
With his new knowledge, George planted a new garden far away from the black walnut tree. It was a success, and his plants grew just as they were supposed to. When his plants produced their first food, he treated Suzie to a nice, homemade dinner with fresh fruits and vegetables from their garden.
Little old George Jones was a 65-year-old man; short, a little overweight, and retired. He got around well for his age and was pretty healthy. On the other hand, his wife, Suzie, was very fragile and immobile. They lived on about five acres in a nice neighborhood, in a house they had lived in for 20 years. George spent most of his days relaxing on the back porch with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, while his wife rested in bed, watching television and occasionally reading a novel. His view of the backyard from his seat on the porch consisted of a black walnut tree and a bunch of empty space.
One afternoon, while admiring his precious piece of property, George decided to be active and take on a new project. His idea was to build a garden to supply himself and Suzie with fresh fruits and vegetables. He immediately went to the nursery and purchased what he needed to build his garden. He got right to work and planted all his seeds. His garden consisted of tomatoes, potatoes, blackberries, and carrots. George checked on his garden and watered his seeds every day. He waited anxiously for the first sign of growth to appear.
After a month had past and there was still no sign of progress, George began to wonder what he was doing wrong. He made many trips to the nursery, asking for advice on how to get his plants to grow. On one occasion, he bought more fertilizer. On another, he purchased new soil. Nothing seemed to help his garden grow.
Two months later, while sitting on the porch with his coffee and paper, George came across an article about black walnut trees. After reading the article, George immediately knew why his garden was so troubled. His plants were being poisoned by juglone, a chemical found in the fruit of walnuts, because he had planted his garden too close to the tree.
With his new knowledge, George planted a new garden far away from the black walnut tree. It was a success, and his plants grew just as they were supposed to. When his plants produced their first food, he treated Suzie to a nice, homemade dinner with fresh fruits and vegetables from their garden.
References
Blaine, V. (2011, October 15). The many uses of black walnuts - DailyHerald.com. Daily Herald - Suburban Chicago's Information Source. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111015/news/710159863/print/
Jauron, R. (1995, May 26). Black Walnut Toxicity | Horticulture and Home Pest News . IPM at ISU | Integrated Pest Management at Iowa State University. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1995/5-26-1995/bwt.html
Ponder, F., Jones, J., & Mueller, R. (2005, August 1). Discovery Service for CSU, Chico: Using Poultry Litter in Black Walnut Nutrient Management. . EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=00813b42-bf4f-4311-950c-a225a2f598c4%40sessionmgr14&vid=3&hid=2
Stokke, D., & Bowe, S. (2005, May 1). Discovery Service for CSU, Chico: Laminitis Caused by Black Walnut Wood Residues. . EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=6&sid=77fb37ad-f3ea-49e3-8473-7835fe6bfe30%40sessionmgr13&hid=2
Blaine, V. (2011, October 15). The many uses of black walnuts - DailyHerald.com. Daily Herald - Suburban Chicago's Information Source. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111015/news/710159863/print/
Jauron, R. (1995, May 26). Black Walnut Toxicity | Horticulture and Home Pest News . IPM at ISU | Integrated Pest Management at Iowa State University. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1995/5-26-1995/bwt.html
Ponder, F., Jones, J., & Mueller, R. (2005, August 1). Discovery Service for CSU, Chico: Using Poultry Litter in Black Walnut Nutrient Management. . EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=00813b42-bf4f-4311-950c-a225a2f598c4%40sessionmgr14&vid=3&hid=2
Stokke, D., & Bowe, S. (2005, May 1). Discovery Service for CSU, Chico: Laminitis Caused by Black Walnut Wood Residues. . EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=6&sid=77fb37ad-f3ea-49e3-8473-7835fe6bfe30%40sessionmgr13&hid=2