As a true member of the walnut family, Juglandaceae, this tree's fruits were a valuable food source for Native Americans. It is commonly found in elevations of 1000-7000 ft., and so can thrive in many environments. In moister climates, this tree usually has one stout trunk; but in drier climates, it often has several smaller trunks. With large pinnately compound leaves, this tree is easy to identify in the wild. Its dark brown bark looks almost blackish in the distance. This tree is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female flowers separately on the same tree. The male flowers are long drooping catkins and the females are erect green catkins. Unfortunately, the pollen from this tree is a severe allergen, but at a mature height of up to 50 ft., this can be a really impressive native tree!