I would like to plant some black walnut trees on a timerland section of my farm in Knox County. I would like to know what the best source of seedlings is for grown in this area. I am intrested in timber production not nuts. Are there any genetically improved populations that I may be able to plant? I would also like to plant more trees in the future, so I am intrested in a good seed source too. Thanks.

Greetings Dave,

Most landowners in Illinois plant what we call "woods run" variety of black walnut, i.e., non-genetically improved populations available for purchase by most private nurseries or available from the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources nursery system. Unless you have premier black walnut growing sites, soils, and conditions (i.e., deep, moist, well drained soils), I would suggest going with standard “woods run” varieties.

However, Purdue University has a black walnut breeding program (http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu//fnr/). Furthermore, Hensler Nursery out of Hamlet, Indiana, offers “Pence Select” superior black walnut stock. Purdue and Pence Select black walnut seedlings are not genetically modified, but “selected” for superior growth, form, and anthracnose resistance.

This should get you started!