Butternut Seedling

Also known as a “white walnut,” the butternut looks like an elongated black walnut. The flavour is sweet, creamy, and even tastier than a walnut you’d typically buy at the store due to lower tannin levels. It’s not called butternut for nothing.

Since the 1990s there has been a concerted effort underway to save the butternut from a devastating fungal infection called butternut canker.

Does it make sense to plant a tree that’s susceptible to blight? YES! The best way to ensure this wonderful native species survives is to keep planting it and nurturing it to encourage blight resistance. If you plant your butternut in an unaffected area you may not have to contend with the fungus.

Plus you’ll get supremely delicious nuts that you’d never find at the grocery store.

Hardiness Zone: 3-7

Pollinator:  Self-fertile but improved yields with multiple specimens

Mature Size: 80’

Spacing: 30’

Soil: 6.8-7.2 pH

Sun: Full sun

Flowering: Spring

Harvest: Mid-September