Quick answer: Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden., Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rich soils - sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, acid-based or calcareous |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | 50-75 ft, up to 150 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nuts attract squirrels and wildlife, larval host for luna and regal moths, attracts birds/butterflies |
No dedicated warning field; juglone in soil kills nearby tomatoes/apples. Husks rich in tannins/toxins, used as insecticide/fish poison/dye. Unanswered user question about toxicity to alpacas
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black walnut
Where is Black walnut native?
Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black walnut bloom?
Black walnut blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black walnut need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Moist, rich soils - sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, acid-based or calcareous. Mature height: 50-75 ft, up to 150 ft.
Is Black walnut good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nuts attract squirrels and wildlife, larval host for luna and regal moths, attracts birds/butterflies.
Is Black walnut toxic?
No dedicated warning field; juglone in soil kills nearby tomatoes/apples. Husks rich in tannins/toxins, used as insecticide/fish poison/dye. Unanswered user question about toxicity to alpacas.
Where can I buy real Black walnut seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Juglans nigra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black walnut.
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra
- Red maple Acer rubrum
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
Also listed under
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