The American walnut differs from the European walnut with its strong grey-brown colour and its very distinctive stripes or veining. The wood appearance in general spreads a dignified ambience. The pores of the American walnut are larger than those of the European walnut and the clearly visible growth zones make the wood very decorative.

Trade Names and Other Names

Abbreviation DIN EN 13556: JUNA
Botanical name: Juglans nigra
German: Amerikanischer Nussbaum, Black Walnut
English: Black Walnut, American Walnut
French: noyer d’Amérique, noyer noir
Italian: noce americano, noce nero
Spanish: nogal americano, nogal negro
Portuguese: nogueira americana, nogueira preta
Dutch: amerikaan walnoot, zwart notenhout

Technical Wood Properties

Weight fresh/green: approx. 850–950 kg/m³
Density air-dry (12–15 % u): approx. 610–670 kg/m³
Natural durability (DIN EN 350): Class 3 – moderately durable

Occurrence

Black Walnut originates from the eastern United States, ranging from southern Canada to Texas. It grows in mixed hardwood forests on deep, fertile soils and reaches heights up to 40 m. It is one of North America’s most valuable hardwoods and has been exported worldwide for centuries. Sustainably managed forests ensure consistent availability and quality.

Trunk and Bark

The trunk is straight, cylindrical, and branch-free up to 10 m. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed. The sapwood is light gray to yellowish, while the heartwood ranges from chocolate brown to dark brown, sometimes with a purplish or reddish hue. The contrast between heartwood and sapwood is clearly visible.

Characteristics and Wood Color

Black Walnut is renowned for its fine, even texture and warm, elegant color. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, and easy to work, polish, and finish. Its grain pattern is mostly straight with occasional curl or figure. When steamed, the tone deepens to a rich, warm brown. Walnut veneers are among the most prestigious in high-end interiors and furniture design.

Substitute Woods

European Walnut (Juglans regia), Mahogany (Swietenia spp.), Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Applications

American Walnut is used for veneers, fine furniture, interior paneling, flooring, and musical instruments. Its deep, classic color and subtle grain make it ideal for luxury interiors, office design, and architectural detailing.

References

• Wood Atlas | 7th Edition 2022 | Rudi & André Wagenführ
• GD-Holz Data Sheets – Wood Species | 2020
• Properties and Core Sizes of Wood Species | 1989 | Jürgen Sell / Lignum Switzerland