American Black Walnut varies in colour from rich chocolate-brown to a purplish-black.

Its grain is coarse but with a fine texture. 
The sapwood is usually narrow, and pale brown in colour, the heartwood varying in colour from rich chocolate-brown to a purplish-black. The wood has a fine even texture and a rather coarse grain, and weighs

The timber is moderately hard, strong and is easily worked. It finishes well and takes an excellent polish.