Black Walnut Tree Seeds (Juglans nigra)
Black Walnut Tree Seeds (Juglans nigra)
The most valuable native hardwood in North America. Growing in your backyard.
Juglans nigra, the Black Walnut, is the premier hardwood timber tree of eastern North America. Its rich, chocolate-brown wood is coveted for fine furniture, gunstocks, and veneers, while its intensely flavored nuts have been harvested for centuries. Beyond its economic value, it shapes its own ecosystem through natural chemical defenses, creating a unique and dynamic presence in the landscape. This is a tree that produces both immediate and long-term returns.
- The most commercially valuable native hardwood timber species in North America
- Produces rich, flavorful nuts enjoyed by wildlife and humans
- Mature trees can be worth thousands as standing timber
- Supports over 100 species of native insects and caterpillars
- Highly adaptable across much of the eastern United States
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It can outperform traditional investments.
High-quality Black Walnut trees are among the most valuable timber assets, with premium veneer logs commanding exceptional prices.
It defends its territory chemically.
Black Walnut produces juglone, a natural compound that suppresses competing plants and shapes the ecosystem beneath its canopy.
It was a complete resource for Indigenous cultures.
Every part of the tree was used, from nuts and oils to dyes, tools, and medicine.
The shells power modern industry.
Black Walnut shells are used globally in abrasives, filtration systems, coatings, and cosmetic products.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Juglans nigra
- Stratification: Required; 90–120 days cold moist stratification (recalcitrant, keep moist)
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Soil: Deep, rich, well-drained; intolerant of compaction
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 50–75 feet
- Spread: 50–75 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft/year)
Plant it for the nuts now and the timber later. Few trees offer returns across two completely different timelines.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. They are stored under dry, cold conditions to preserve viability without initiating stratification, allowing you to time germination for your local growing season.
The exception is recalcitrant seeds. Because these seeds must remain moist to stay viable, they are kept in moist, cold storage and are therefore in a pre-stratified state. Depending on how long a particular batch has been stored, some may arrive with an emerging radicle and be ready to plant immediately. Radicle development is not guaranteed.
Please refer to the individual product page and included growing instructions for species-specific requirements.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes. Some species we offer, including Chestnut, Hazelnut, and Paw Paw, are recalcitrant and must remain moist to stay viable.
Please refrigerate these seeds immediately upon arrival unless they have already developed a radicle. Seeds with an emerging radicle should be planted promptly.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently ship within the United States only.
We previously shipped to Canada, but tariffs, duties, and import fees resulted in customers receiving significant and unpredictable additional charges upon delivery. Because we cannot reliably calculate or absorb these costs, we have suspended shipping to Canada.
At this time, we do not ship to Canada or other international destinations.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
• Hand-packed in resealable kraft paper seed bags
• Stratification and planting instructions included on every seed pack
• Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS within the United States and U.S. territories
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
If your order arrives damaged, contains incorrect items, or is missing items, please contact us within 7 days of delivery so we can resolve the issue.
