Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight, though interlocked or wavy grain is common; can produce diverse figures including crotch, burl, and curly patterns.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. Heartwood darkens further with oil finishes but may lighten over decades of UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot for kiln-dried FAS grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Sapling/Seedling stage (less than 1 year); based on the living plant specimen shown.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though it has a distinct scent when worked.
Notable Features
Produces juglone, a chemical that can inhibit growth of nearby plants; known for its rich chocolate color and pleasant, mild spicy scent.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to clear oils (Linseed, Tung) or polyurethane to highlight depth; requires grain filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the specimen shown is a living Black Walnut sapling, identified by its pinnately compound leaves, serrated margins, and characteristic reddish-tinted new growth.