Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible as concentric growth rings in this cross-section with fairly distinct ring boundaries.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich dark brown to purplish-black (visible in the center of the branch). Sapwood is creamy white to yellowish-tan (inner ring near bark). It lightens over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack (especially Powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Domestic prices are usually high for a hardwood, ranging from $10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth ring count in the cross-section, this branch is approximately 8 to 12 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally have fuzzy grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and harmful as sawdust to horses and humans with sensitivities.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural dark color; polyurethane or lacquer provide durability for daily-use items.
Identification Confidence
High. The dark heartwood contrasting with the light sapwood, coupled with the characteristic grey-brown fissured bark of the larger trunk below, is classic for Juglans nigra.