Plant Family: Juglandaceae
Growth Form: Large tree, to 30 meters tall and 1 m in diameter.
Leaves: Alternate, once-compound, 30 – 60 cm long, the 11 to 17 leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, lightly toothed, and sessile (or nearly so) on the rachis. Leaflets at the base and apex are smaller than those in the middle; a terminal leaflet is not often present.
Bark: Dark gray and strongly fissured; the pith of mature twigs is chambered.
Flowers: Monoecious, male flowers in single catkins, female flowers in groups.
Fruits: Large, spherical, green husks, 4 – 5 cm in diameter; they do not split open when ripe, inside are the corrugated nuts.
Habitat: Rich damp woods, bottomlands; widely cultivated for its wood, fruits, and rapid growth.
Range: Reaches the northern and eastern part of its natural range in Connecticut; trees seen in other New England states have spread from cultivation.
Similar Species: Butternut has lighter gray bark and ovoid fruits.
Comments: The dark brown somewhat oily wood is strong and valuable. The fruit husks have been used to make a yellow-brown dye. Black Walnut should not be planted near gardens, as the roots produce a chemical that can harm fruit and vegetable crops.
