Black walnut is native to Nebraska’s eastern and north central fertile bottomlands. It is highly prized for its rich, chocolate-brown wood and nut meats. Straight, limb-free trees are very valuable in the timber industry. Walnut trees have a medium growth rate and a long life span. Walnut requires a deep, silty-loam soil having good internal drainage for maximum growth. Walnut seedlings have been planted in the Sandhills for wildlife habitat and as a local source of nut meats. Walnut caterpillars can defoliate trees in mid- to late summer, but this seldom does any permanent damage. Walnut is highly susceptible to broadleaf herbicide damage.