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Butternut

Juglans cinerea


Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7   View Map
  • Yields a ripened nut crop in late October. The nuts are oblong and tapered, 1½–2½" in diameter, covered with sticky hairs. A thick, brown, corrugated inner shell holds the nut kernel, which has a sweet, buttery flavor that makes it great for baking, confections and fresh eating
  • Begins to bear nuts 7–10 years after planting
  • Is an alternate bearer, meaning it will bear abundantly one year and then less the next. Sometimes it will take a few years off before bearing again
  • Features pinnately compound, alternate leaves that consist of 11–19 stalkless leaflets
  • Is self-fertile but requires wind for pollination. Planting more than one tree will ensure a better crop
  • Develops a short, usually forked trunk with a wide, spreading, open canopy
  • Grows in a rounded shape

Tree Details

Shape

Rounded

Growth Speed

Slow

Scientific Name

Juglans cinerea

Mature Height

40' - 60'

Mature Spread

35' - 50'

Shipping Height

2' - 3'

Highlights

A North American native, the butternut (also known as white walnut) is one of the hardiest nut trees. The late October harvest of rich, buttery-flavored nuts are popular for baking, confections and fresh eating.

 

If you’re interested in planting this tree for its nuts, be sure to plant more than one. While the butternut is self-fertile, you can ensure a better crop with multiple trees.

Sun Preference

Full Sun

Soil Preference

Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Silty Loam, Well Drained, Wet

Wildlife Value

The nuts are valuable food for deer, squirrels and birds.

History/Lore

The inner bark was once used as an orange or yellow dye.

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