The black walnut resource in the United States

Abstract

Between 1989 and 1999 the total volume of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) in the United States increased from 1.6 to 2.4 billion cubic feet. Saw log volume (International ¼-inch scale) increased from 4.3 to 7.2 billion board feet. Increases occurred in most states; however, in Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kansas black walnut volumes decreased or remained nearly constant and/or mean tree quality appeared to decrease. National forest inventory data is available online and can readily be queried to summarize and map characteristics of black walnut and other species by individual states, groups of counties, or other geographic areas. The majority of black walnut trees occur in natural stands in association with other fine hardwoods. On average black walnut comprises about 11% of the total volume in stands where it occurs. Thus, opportunities to apply silvicultural treatments to increase walnut volume or value in natural stands usually also provide the option to do the same for other associated hardwood species.

Parent Publication

• Black walnut in a new century, proceedings of the 6th Walnut Council research symposium; 2004 July 25-28; Lafayette, IN.

Citation

Shifley, Stephen R. 2004. The black walnut resource in the United States. In: Michler, C.H.; Pijut, P.M.; Van Sambeek, J.W.; Coggeshall, M.V.; Seifert, J.; Woeste, K.; Overton, R.; Ponder, F., Jr., eds. Proceedings of the 6th Walnut Council Research Symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-243. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 168-176