Juglans nigra - "Black Walnut"

Our native walnut in the eastern US. A large attractive tree with long, pinnate leaves with up to 20 leaflets. The bark is deeply grooved. The nuts are extremely rich but difficult to crack. The green flesh around the nut will turn black as they fall from the tree and it can then be used to stain wood, paper, or fabrics. Or your hands. The nuts are edible raw but can have a somewhat intense flavor. This flavor mellows when they are used in cooking and they make incredible baked goods.