The black walnut tree, or Juglans nigra, is one of about 15 walnut species. Black walnut trees represent a serious investment in time and effort. Often, only after decades of growing do black walnut trees produce the best nuts and lumber. Yet if black walnut trees are properly and patiently managed, they not only add beauty to a landscape, but also yield food, fuel, timber and possibly extra income.
Lumber
Black walnut wood commands high prices, due to its strength, color and low-shrinkage rates, according to the University of Minnesota Extension program. Manufacturers use black walnut to make veneers for furniture such as chairs and tables, and for walls and cabinets. Owners of black walnut groves may be able to supplement their income by selling to reputable dealers, or use the lumber to make furniture and cabinetry to sell or use in the home.
Landscaping
The striking shape and yellow foliage of black walnuts make them handsome specimen trees. They can be used to shade a house or in the background of large gardens. The trees' drawbacks include unsightly shell droppings and an underground toxin that inhibits the growth of other trees and plants. They should be placed only where they won't interfere with other plants. Wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the fact that the trees provide shelter for birds and food for squirrels and deer.
Food
Considered one of the gourmet nuts, black walnuts add value to brownies, fudge, cookies, cakes, tea breads and more. They can be used in place of pecans or regular walnuts in baking recipes or when making homemade ice creams and sauces. Black walnut pieces are a healthier, high-protein alternative to bacon in a wilted spinach salad. They can be used to top fresh green or fruit salads to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, according to the The World's Healthiest Foods, a nonprofit website.
Natural Hair Dye
For centuries, women used walnut hulls to naturally darken graying hair, or to add dark highlights. Herbalist Jeanne Rose suggests using a greater ratio of crushed black walnut hulls to water for hair dyes, and using fewer shells when preparing a color-boosting hair rinse. For hair dyes, bring 3 or 4 tbsp. crushed, dried hulls to a boil in 2 cups water or vinegar. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and work through hair, leaving on for at least one hour before rinsing with plain water. For an herbal hair rinse, use 1 to 2 tbsp. crushed, dried shells in the water or vinegar and rinse hair with the strained mixture after shampooing.
Fuel
Walnut groves benefit from periodic thinning and pruning. Removing young black walnut trees enables the remaining walnut trees to get enough sunlight and soil nutrients to develop correctly. Pruning the trees achieves the same goal. The wood gleaned from these operations can be used for lumber, as mentioned previously, or for fuel in the fireplace or wood stove.
Ink and Dyes
Black walnuts yield rich colors suitable for natural dyes and inks. Recipes vary, but simmering whole or crushed walnuts with the shells and nutmeats may yield the best results. Gather the nuts as husks are blackening in late fall, rather than in the earlier, green stage. Soak overnight and simmer for several hours. Reduce the mixture to a thicker consistency for inks before straining and bottling. To dye fabrics or homemade papers, follow directions for natural dyes best suited to the textile or piece you plan to color.
References
- University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Black Walnut
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Walnuts
- "Herbal Body Book"; Jeanne Rose; 2000
- "The Complete Book of Herbs"; Lesley Bremness; 1994
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