BLACK WALNUT

In the nineteenth century, the black walnut tree was prized by the makers of expensive furniture; today these choice pieces are avidly sought after by collectors. Only a few specimens of this stately tree now remain in the Historic Triangle and very few young ones are springing up in the local forests.

The black walnut frequently grows to a height of one hundred feet with a trunk diameter of up to six feet. The dark, rough bark, is divided into squarish units. The leaves are alternate, one to two feet long, and have fifteen to twenty three leaflets that are light green in color.

The nut is black and ridged with the kernel having a high-quality taste. The nut is enclosed in a green husk that does not split open but remains as a covering until it gradually decomposes. When removing the nuts, the sheller should wear gloves because of the nicotine-colored stain that is contained in the husks and does not wash off.

Black walnut trees are useful in a pasture because few, if any, insects will follow stock under their branches. Likewise, tomatoes and other crops do not grow well near these trees.

Black walnut wood is at a premium today because of its scarcity. It is in great demand for furniture and cabinet work, gun stocks and veneers.

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