Botanical name: Juglans nigra. Black walnut is moderately heavy, hard, stiff, and has good shock resistance properties. Grain patterns will vary from very plain to highly figured. The heartwood is one of the most durable of any hardwood. Black walnut works easily with hand or machine tools, takes and holds paints and stains exceptionally well, is readily polished and easily glued. The wood finishes beautifully with outstanding grain, colour and pattern. Colour varies from a light grey-brown to a dark brown