Black Walnut Tree Live Bare Root Plant – Juglans nigra, Zones 4-9

The Black Walnut Tree (Juglans nigra) is a majestic native hardwood prized for its rich, dark wood, edible nuts, and stately form. This live bare root plant is ready to establish in your landscape, growing into a long-lived shade tree that offers beauty and productivity for generations. Its deep taproot and vigorous growth make it an excellent choice for large properties, windbreaks, or edible landscapes.

Black walnut produces flavorful nuts that are a favorite for baking and snacking, though they require cracking to access the meat. The tree's compound leaves cast light shade, allowing some underplanting, but note that black walnut roots release juglone, which can inhibit certain plants. Plant it where its grand size and unique characteristics can be appreciated.

Plant Features

• Produces edible, richly flavored nuts in autumn
• Valuable dark wood and attractive furrowed bark
• Fast-growing shade tree with a broad, rounded crown
• Native to North America and supports local wildlife
• Long-lived and adaptable to a range of soils

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Juglans nigra
• Plant Type: Deciduous tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Deep, well-drained loam; tolerates a range of soils
• Water Requirements: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading, rounded crown
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Mature Height: 50-75 feet (may reach taller in ideal conditions)
• Spacing: 30-40 feet between trees

Planting & Care

Plant your bare root black walnut tree as soon as possible after arrival. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. Choose a sunny location with deep, well-drained soil, free from compacted layers. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots without crowding, set the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery, and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year, especially in dry spells. Once established, black walnut is relatively drought-tolerant. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches; minimal pruning is needed. Be mindful of the juglone produced by roots and nuts, which can affect sensitive plants nearby. With proper care, your tree will grow steadily into a valuable landscape specimen.

What's Included

One live bare root Black Walnut tree (Juglans nigra), ready for planting.