Juglans cinerea (Butternut)

Michael's Opinion

A native tree found on dry upland areas where it grows amongst American Beech and Maple. It is seldom planted in the cultivated landscape since it has little ornamental value. The fruit is edible and voraciously consumed by the local forest wildlife. It produces Juglone so care needs to be taken with what is planted around it in the cultured landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilyJuglandaceae
GenusJuglans
Speciescinerea
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesConnon Nurseries, Waterdown Ontario.
OriginNew Brunswick to Georgia
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3-7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height25 m
Spread20 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMedium to large tree.
ID CharacteristicThe bark of this tree is an ID trate. it is very furrowed and turns yellow when exposed to light.
ShapeLarge rounded crown
PropagationSow seeds as soon as the fruit is ripe in a seed bed. You may also stratify and sow in spring!
CultivationPrefers well drained, deep, fertile soil, and full sun. It is cultivated in particular for its edible nuts.
PestsBorers, mites and webworm are common pests that target this tree.
Bark/Stem DescriptionFurrowed and ridged. Greyish brown. Inner bark will turn yellow when exposed to light
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLarge terminal buds. Ovate, round. 1-3 superposed buds
Leaf DescriptionShowy green foliage. Leaves are oblong, serrate edges. Alternate and pinnately compounded.
Flower DescriptionFlower in spring with greenish yellow flowers.
Fruit DescriptionSpherical, solitary or cluster. Green when growing turning a brown colour when ripe. Edible nuts
Colour DescriptionGreen with yellowish flowers complimented well with grey/brown bark
Texture DescriptionRough and ridged bark. Smooth leaves

Photographs