"Butternut" - Juglans cinerea

Growth Habit: Large tree

Water Requirement: Moderately high when young, moderate when established. Would do well near a stream or lake/pond. Mature trees can tolerate drought, however it makes them more susceptible to the fungal canker that is threatening the species with extinction.

Sun Requirement: Full sun. Young trees can handle part shade in an edge-of-forest situation, however they will not tolerate being in the understory of a dense forest.

Lifespan: 70 to 80 years

Extremely rare and considered endangered in much of its range. This species is in the same genus as the much more common black walnut. A fungal pathogen has reduced its numbers and threatens the species with potential extinction. These nuts were sourced from a seemingly healthy grove in the mountains outside of Wilkesboro, NC. The grove was reported to the NCDA and forestry service for potential study or further conservation efforts.

The nuts are slightly easier to shell than black walnuts and taste somewhat different. Frankly, I prefer the black walnuts for eating. I have priced these seedling trees very high because I want people to care about them. These are very rare, and I will probably never be able to offer these again. If the parent grove has some genetics for resistance to the fungal disease, then I would like these trees to go towards establishing other healthy groves. This is a beautiful and unique tree and we need to do what we can to preserve it.