Black walnut - Forest Research

Native range

Native to east and central north America, but grown in southern Britain and western Europe for nearly four centuries.

Provenance Choice

Late flushing varieties identified in French breeding programmes or provenances from the northern part of the natural distribution (New England, southern Ontario) should be preferred. A hybrid between black and common walnuts (Juglans x intermedia) is reportedly less sensitive to frost.

Pests and Pathogens

Generally considered to be more resistant to Armillaria root rot (honey fungus) than common walnut.

Use

While it is likely to remain confined to lowland parts of Britain, climate warming should increase the range of suitable sites for this species in northern England, Wales, and parts of Scotland.

Black walnut is categorised as a secondary tree species. These are species that have been planted on a much smaller scale than the principal species but are reasonably well understood and have demonstrated their suitability for forestry in terms of stem form, growth rate and hardiness under current conditions and so have potential for wider use in future.