This species is found throughout North America from as far north as Quebec, Canada to as far south as Texas. It ranges from New Hampshire in the east to Wyoming in the west. In fact, walnut is reported in 38 states in the US.

The heartwood ranges from light grayish brown to deep chocolate brown to an almost black purplish brown. The grain is slightly open and usually straight but may be wavy or irregular. The texture is usually coarse but uniform.