American Black Walnut, scientifically known as Juglans nigra, is a hardwood tree native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas. It thrives in mixed hardwood forests, often reaching heights of 50–100 feet with trunk diameters of 2–4 feet. The tree is valued not only for its timber but also for its edible nuts, and it’s often planted for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage.

The heartwood of American Black Walnut is renowned for its rich, dark brown colour, often with a purplish or chocolate hue, though it can range from medium to deep brown with occasional streaks of lighter brown or subtle purple tones. The sapwood is a contrasting pale cream to light yellowish-brown, creating a distinct boundary. The grain is typically straight, but it can be wavy or curly in figured pieces, with a medium texture and a moderate natural lustre. The wood often features knots, swirls, or burls, adding character, especially in premium cuts.

With a density of around 600–650 kg/m³, American Black Walnut is moderately hard and strong, offering good stability once seasoned. It has excellent durability, with natural resistance to decay, though it’s not as resistant to insects as some tropical hardwoods. The wood is a joy to work with, machining, carving, and turning smoothly, though its darker colour can sometimes show glue lines if not carefully applied. It takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, often requiring only a clear coat to highlight its natural beauty, and it polishes to a smooth, satiny finish.

American Black Walnut has a faint, mildly sweet aroma when worked, which fades over time. It’s widely used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, and musical instruments like guitar bodies, as well as for veneer and turned objects such as bowls or pens. Its rich colour and grain make it a favourite for luxury interiors, often paired with lighter woods for contrast. The wood is moderately priced for a domestic hardwood, with wider availability than many exotic species, though highly figured pieces can command a premium.