American Walnut

    American Walnut is an attractive and valuable wood, sought after for it’s stunning dark colours and consistent grain patterns. This beautiful tree grows at a slow rate, however, this assists in the Walnut tree growing durable and naturally strong timber.

     

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    American walnut tree on white background

    How to Identify American Walnut

    The grain of this tree is typically in straight patterns. It is not uncommon that some cuts of this timber will also posses wavy and curly grain lines.

     

    Here are the key characteristics that will assist in identifying an American Walnut Tree.


    English Name – American Walnut, Black Walnut
    Scientific Name – Juglans Nigra

    Wood Type – Hardwood

    American Walnut Size – 30 – 40m (100 – 130 ft) tall 

    Trunk Diameter -2 -4 ft

    Spread – Up to 6 m ( up to 20 ft)

    Life Span – Approx 130 years

    UK Location – Warmest Locations. Native of North America

    Colour

    The dark chocolate brown colour of the American Walnut tree is only found in the very centre of the tree, known as the ‘heartwood’. The colour is distinctively darker than other types of wood. Ranging from a medium chocolate brown to very dark brown, the colour is determined depending what part of the tree the wood has come from. Some cuts will have a hint of purple, some may even present a much lighter and creamy colour.

    Leaves

    The leaves  have toothed edges with between 5 and 25 leaflets per stem. Leaves are symmetrical apart from one leaf that grows from the tip. Crushed leaves are known for emitting an aroma similar to polish and is a sure fire way of identifying this particular tree. 

    Texture & Design

    The grains are usually straight, but can also present an irregular pattern, depending on what part of the tree it was taken from. The medium texture of the wood allows an incredibly smooth finish

    Location

    First introduced to Europe in 1629. Native to North America, Walnut trees prefer a warmer climate so they are mostly likely found in the Southern regions of England.

     

    The Bark

    During the younger years of this tree, the bark is much smoother with an olive brown hue. As it matures, the bark becomes heavily ridged with deep fissures. As the bark matures, the colour slowly transforms into a silvery grey.

    Frequently Asked Questions - American Walnut

    American Walnut is a premium hardwood prized for its rich, dark tones and elegant grain patterns. Known for its strength and natural beauty, it is often chosen for luxury, heirloom-quality furniture.

    Yes. Walnut is a dense and strong hardwood, resistant to wear and built to last for generations. It is slightly softer than oak but still incredibly durable, making it excellent for dining tables and fine furniture.

    American Walnut offers a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Its deep tones and smooth grain make it the perfect choice if you’re looking for furniture that feels truly luxurious and stands out as a centrepiece in your home

    Yes. Walnut naturally has a rich, beautiful colour, so many people prefer an oil or lacquer finish to enhance and protect it without altering its tone. Wax can also bring out its natural warmth and depth.

    Walnut is slightly lighter in weight and not quite as hard as oak, but it remains very strong and durable. It is less rustic in appearance and more refined, making it a popular choice for contemporary luxury furniture.   

    Absolutely. Walnut is durable enough for daily use, and with the right finish, it resists marks and wear. It’s ideal for creating statement dining tables, desks, and sideboards.