Family - Juglandaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Chambered pith of a twig.

Winter twig.

Bud.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Clusters of staminate flowers.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Pistillate flowers.

Developing fruits.

Flowering - April - May.

Habitat - Rich woods at the base of slopes, in valleys along streams, open upland woods, cultivated.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This popular species can be found throughout Missouri and is commonly known as "Black Walnut." The tree grows to +25m and can have perfectly straight trunks. Becasue of this, walnut is one the most sought after domestic woods in this country. The wood is easy to cut and work yet is strong and beautiful.
The fruits of J. nigra are edible but not nearly as good as the english walnuts which are commercially available just about everywhere.
In the field J. nigra can be identified by its brown, fissured bark and by its serrate leaflets. The leaflets will stain your hands yellow if crushed. The thick skins surrounding the fruits will stain your skin and fingernails black so be careful with them.

Photographs taken in Vale, NC., 5-10-03, in the Ozark Scenic Riverways, Shannon County, MO., 6-23-03, and at the Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, Callaway County, MO., 2-27-04.