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| Leaf Photo by: Keith Kanoti |
Bark Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
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| Fruit Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
Tree Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
Butternut and walnut husks contain tannin that has been used for dyeing fabric and making ink. It will also stain your hands for weeks!
The range of butternut extends through most of the southern and eastern mixed deciduous forests in Ontario except the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. Previously a scattered, uncommon tree, the species is now threatened with a canker disease and is listed as Endangered. Naturally occurring trees are protected by the Endangered Species Act, 2007.
Butternut is often mistaken for black walnut, but differs in its sticky, elongated fruits, sharply ridged nuts and mature pale gray bark. Butternut has compound leaves like black walnut, but with fewer leaflets (11-17) on a hairy stalk and usually with the terminal leaflet of similar size as the rest. Butternut trees drop their leaves with the first few fall frosts. Butternuts are short-lived, to about 80 years of age.
Butternut is also threatened by hybridization with other non-native walnut species planted for their edible nuts. Hybrids can be difficult to identify.
Size: Up to 25 m tall
Moisture: Moist to moderately dry
Shade: Intolerant of shade, needs full sun
Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich soils in valleys or on slopes
Planting Tip: Butternut is allowed to be propagated by seed collected from pure butternuts. Contact the Forest Gene Conservation Association or your local Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk biologist for a list of growers. More tips...
