UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
j£ BULLETIN No. 933 
Contribution from the Forest Service 
WILLIAM B. GREELEY, Forester 
s^fr* < $Lru 
Washington, D. C. 
PROFESSIONAL PAPER 
March 8, 1921 
BLACK WALNUT: ITS GROWTH AND 
MANAGEMENT. 
By F. S. Baker, Forest Examiner. 
CONTENTS. 
Growth of stands (yield per acre) — 
Measuring logs and estimating stand- 
ing timber : 
Walnut plantations 
Establishing walnut plantations 
Page. 
Introduction 
1 
Distribution of walnut 
2 
Supply 
6 
Description of the tree 
15 
Silvical characteristics 
18 
Growth of individual trees 
22 
Page. 
26 
28 
31 
40 
INTRODUCTION. 
The importance of black walnut (Juglans nigra^ Linn.) was im- 
pressed upon the whole Nation by the efforts made during the war to 
secure black- walnut wood for gunstocks and airplane propellers. The 
supply, which has never been large in comparison with the supply of 
other woods, was greatly depleted to satisfy these war-time demands. 
The demand for black walnut has continued strong since the close of 
the war period, and comparatively high prices have been maintained. 
Even during peace times there is sure to be a constant though moder- 
ate call for walnut and at higher prices than are obtained for most 
other North American woods. 
In order that the supply of black walnut may not be inadequate for 
manufacturing needs in the event of another war, there should be a 
reserve of growing timber. Whatever the Government may ac- 
complish in this direction on its own lands, every farm within the 
range of walnut growth on which trees of this species are found is 
potentially a part of such a reserve. Obviously, black walnut is a 
very valuable element of any timberland or farm wood lot in which 
it grows. Great importance, therefore, attaches to the questions of 
available supply, growth, and management of black walnut, and of 
the financial possibilities of growing it for the timber market. It is 
the purpose of this bulletin to present such information as is available 
on these subjects. 
19340°— 21— 1 
