Black Walnut-Juglans nigra

Something to Ponder:

Native to eastern North America, the Black Walnut tree is known for its value. The deep brown wood is easily worked and has a lasting polish. Of such value, felled trees have sold for thousands of dollars to furniture makers and home builders. The nuts are used in everything from cookies to salads and are considered by many to be a “superfood”. Native Americans prized the tree for its medicinal value and even the hulls of the nuts are used as a cleaning abrasive to this day. Folklore calls it the tree of war and peace due to its many uses in almost any circumstance. There seems to be value inherent to every aspect of this tree.

What is less known about the Black Walnut is that it is a “pioneer species” – meaning that it is commonly found on the side of roads and at the edge of forests. It is considered to be a common weed tree due to its ubiquitous saplings that are present wherever there is fertile ground and open air. In our area of the country, the Black Walnut tree can be found in almost any open field.

As believers in Jesus Christ we can learn something from this tree. We are called to be pioneers of the good news of salvation. Matthew relates what has become to be known as the Great Commission. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” We are called to move beyond the four walls of the church. Just like Black Walnut trees, we don’t grow very well under cover.

The Black Walnut reaches out to find the sun and eventually grow into something of extraordinary value. We too are called to reach for the “Son” and fully realize how much we are valued by our God.

More Info:

This eastern American Black Walnut-Juglans nigra, is a species of deciduous tree in the walnut family, Juglandaceae, native to North America. It grows mainly in riparian zones, from southern Ontario, west to southeast South Dakota, south to Georgia, northern Florida and southwest to central Texas. The Black Walnut grows to a height of 50 to 75 feet and a spread of 50 to 75 feet at maturity. It yields a ripened nut crop in early to mid-autumn after about 12 to 15 years. Its wood is prized in the woodworking world for its handsome grain, used in furniture, cabinets, flooring, gun stocks, paneling and veneers. The fruit, leaves and roots of Black Walnut trees contain a chemical, juglone, that can have a devastating impact on the roots of other plants. Black walnuts are one of the most flavorful nuts for snacking, baking and cooking. The nuts have a sweet, delicate nutty flavor and are one of the most expensive nuts on the market.