Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Black Walnut are even-pinnately compounded with 14 to 24 leaflets. They are a yellowish-green color and turn to yellow in the fall. It has an alternate leaf arrangment. The leaflets are ovate- to lanceolate-shaped with serrated margins and pinnate veins. The rachis can be hairy (pubescent).
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Black Walnut are light brown in winter and have chambered piths. The leaf scars are three lobed, and botanists often call it a “money-face.” The buds are tan and comparetively large to other trees and tan. It has multiple, sometimes pubescent, scales.
Bark Identification
The Black Walnut has ridged and furrowed grey bark.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Black Walnut is a round, indeshiscent drupe with a green, inedible husk around it. The seed inside is edible. The fruit is incredibly firm, and is very hard to break open.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Black Walnut are yellow-greenish. The males have 3″ to 5″ long, single-stemmed catkins , and the females are on short, green spikes.
[photo forthcoming]