Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Black walnut identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Black walnut, Juglans nigra, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 12 to 24 inches long with 10 to 24 finely toothed leaflets; the end leaflet is often small or missing. Bark: Brown, darker when cut, with ridges and furrows in a rough diamond pattern. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify black walnut
| Leaf type | Alternate, compound leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Compound leaves 12 to 24 inches long with 10 to 24 finely toothed leaflets; the end leaflet is often small or missing. |
| Bark | Brown, darker when cut, with ridges and furrows in a rough diamond pattern. |
| Fruit | Round nuts 2 to 2 1/2 inches across in a thick green husk around a hard, furrowed shell. |
| Twigs | Stout light brown twigs with buff-colored chambered pith. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 100 feet with a straight, clear trunk in the woods. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is black walnut native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black walnut as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like black walnut
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Butternut Juglans cinerea | Alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 15 to 25 inches long with 11 to 17 toothed leaflets and a well-formed end leaflet. |
| Kentucky coffeetree Gymnocladus dioicus | Alternate, compound leaves. Huge twice-compound leaves 1 to 3 feet long with many smooth-edged leaflets 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. |
| Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima | Alternate, compound leaves. Huge compound leaves 1 to 3 feet long with 11 to 41 leaflets. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify black walnut?
Look for alternate, compound leaves. Compound leaves 12 to 24 inches long with 10 to 24 finely toothed leaflets; the end leaflet is often small or missing. Bark: Brown, darker when cut, with ridges and furrows in a rough diamond pattern.
Is black walnut native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black walnut as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does black walnut get?
Up to about 100 feet with a straight, clear trunk in the woods.
How can you tell black walnut in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout light brown twigs with buff-colored chambered pith. Bark: Brown, darker when cut, with ridges and furrows in a rough diamond pattern.
What tree looks like black walnut?
Butternut, Kentucky coffeetree, Tree-of-heaven. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Juglans nigra fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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