WoodCentral Forums

Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Humpday Triviola

Posts

Humpday Triviola

#1

Humpday Triviola

In America walnut is often referred to as "black walnut". Why?

Tommy

Re: Humpday Triviola

#2

Dale Lenz

Re: I would think...

why is black walnut Juglans nigra (sp?) referred to as American walnut..

Thanks for the question,

Dale

Re: Humpday Triviola

#3

Not what I'm lookin' for.

That's a good guess but the answer is more anectdotal.

Thanks

Tommy

Re: Humpday Triviola

#4

Re: Humpday Triviola

Two possibilities come to mind: 1. Color--It distinguishes itself from Butternut a close relative and different in color. The other is toxicity, black walnut will kill plants around its root structure. It will also do harm to horses and dogs to the point of death, but is fully recoverable if removed from their presence in time.

Re: Humpday Triviola

#5

Re: Humpday Triviola

I'm going with Gary in that Butternut is sometimes referred to as White Walnut. I could be way off base though. I know the husks of Black walnut stain anything they touch a dark brown that does not wash off such as skin. DAMHIKT. Could the anecdotal answer have anything to do with turning "white" skin "black"?

Re: Humpday Triviola

#6

Re: Humpday Triviola

I've used a lot of black langauge (ok, blue) trying to crack them.

glc

Re: Humpday Triviola

#7

Close enough for a "gimme" (Answer)

Walnut has long been referred to as "black walnut" not because of the dark wood it yields but rather the "blackness" of the nut shells.

Tommy

👍 This page answered my questions

Your vote helps other woodworkers quickly find the answers and techniques that actually work in the shop.