Black Walnut

Native Nut & Shade Tree with Long-Term Landscape Value

Plant one of North America’s most prized native hardwoods and enjoy a tree that offers beauty, shade, and edible nuts for generations.

The Black Walnut is a fast-growing native tree known for its valuable wood, broad canopy, and flavorful nuts. With its strong structure and long lifespan, it makes an excellent investment tree for larger properties, farms, and naturalized landscapes.

Our Black Walnut trees are healthy, container-grown stock, approximately 2–3 feet tall in a 2 gallon pot, ready to establish quickly once planted.

Why This Tree Is a Smart Investment

✔ Valuable native hardwood species
✔ Produces edible nuts enjoyed by wildlife and people
✔ Strong long-term shade tree
✔ Fast early growth with deep root development
✔ Excellent for large properties and naturalized plantings

A great choice for customers looking for a legacy tree with ecological and long-term landscape value.

Size You Receive

Height: Approx. 2–3 ft tall
Container: 2 Gallon Trade Pot

Healthy, nursery-grown stock. Ready for spring or fall planting. Young container trees establish faster and adapt more easily than large transplanted trees.

What Your Black Walnut Will Become

Over time, your Black Walnut will develop into a large, rounded shade tree with a strong trunk and broad canopy. Mature trees provide deep cooling shade and produce rich, flavorful nuts in fall while creating a bold presence in the landscape.

Tree Specifications

Botanical Name: Juglans nigra
Common Name: Black Walnut
Tree Type: Deciduous shade & nut tree
Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Soil Type: Very adaptable — clay, loam, sandy, moist, and well-drained soils
Ease of Growth: Easy to Moderate — vigorous once established
Water Needs: Moderate during establishment

Growth & Mature Size

Growth Rate: Medium to fast depending on conditions

Mature Height: 50–75 ft
Mature Width: 50–75 ft
Growth Form: Rounded canopy

Best planted where it has plenty of space to mature into a large shade tree.

Simple Planting & Care

1️⃣ Plant in full sun
2️⃣ Choose a location with plenty of room for future growth
3️⃣ Water regularly during the first growing season
4️⃣ Mulch around the base to help retain moisture

Black Walnut develops a strong taproot, so planting young container trees helps with long-term establishment.

Nursery Quality

- Container-grown for easier planting and establishment
- Healthy young trees selected for strong root development
- Locally grown stock suited to Ontario conditions

Perfect For

- Farms and acreages
- Large residential properties
- Naturalized landscapes
- Wildlife-friendly plantings
- Long-term shade and legacy tree planting

Quick Note

Black Walnut naturally produces a substance called juglone, which can affect certain sensitive plants if planted too close. It’s best paired with tolerant tree species and planted with adequate spacing for long-term growth.

Trees That Pair Well With Black Walut

Eastern Hemlock (Canadian Hemlock) — Excellent Woodland Companion

Why it works:

- Generally considered tolerant in mixed woodland settings
- Soft texture contrasts nicely with walnut leaves
- Adds a more natural, high-end forest look
- Works well for larger landscapes

Norway Spruce — Structure and Back Drop

Why it works:

- Commonly included among species that can coexist around walnut roots. 
- Evergreen structure balances walnut shape
- Low risk compared to many ornamentals

Eastern White Cedar — Year Round Privacy

Why it works:

Often listed as tolerant around walnut areas
Upright structure contrasts nicely with broad walnut canopy
Adds year-round greenery and privacy

Red Oak — Native Shade Partner

Why it works:

- Oak species are repeatedly listed as tolerant near walnut
- Different leaf shapes add visual interest
- Both handle Ontario conditions well