YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Black Walnut
Catalogue A# 0098-100 PL10
GPS 45D 44' 1" N / 108D 37' 6" W
Juglans nigra
Family: Juglandaceae
Origin: North America
Common name: Black Walnut
Location: Old Pond-West of pond-center
Number in accession: 3
Note: Trees are first to lose leaves in Fall-Fruited 2018
2018 verified (Author-Tom Elpel) non-accessioned specimen was discovered in the Asian Habitats collection. It is located at the upper tiger viewing area/main pathway junction. No fruit was seen in 2018 and will keep watch in coming years.
This 19 inch Black walnut provides overall benefits of: $136 every year.
Tree or Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale: North America
Landscape Uses: Parkway/street, Shade tree, Specimen
Size Range: Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height: 50-75 feet
Mature Width: 30-50 feet
Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones: Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil Preference: Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Acid Soils: Intolerant
Alkaline Soils: Moderately Tolerant
Salt Spray: Tolerant
Soil Salt: Intolerant
Drought Conditions: Moderately Tolerant
Poor Drainage: Moderately Tolerant
Planting Considerations: May be difficult to find in nurseries, Messy fruit/plant parts
Ornamental Interest: Fall color, Edible fruit
Season of Interest: Early fall
Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
Shape or Form: Round
Growth Rate: Moderate
Transplants Well: Yes
Wildlife: Cavity-nesting birds, Game mammals, Songbird
CRITIQUE
The black walnut is a North America native tree that provides excellent shade for large properties. It needs to be sited with care, since the tree produces a chemical that is toxic to some other plants. The fruit is a rounded, yellow-green husk, containing a nut that is a food source for squirrels. The black walnut also attracts the banded hairstreak butterfly, serving as a caterpillar host.
