Butternut
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) – A Rare Native Tree for Your Garden
AKA - White Walnut, Oil Nut
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is a beautiful, medium to large native tree that provides both ecological benefits and a bountiful harvest of edible nuts. Known for its smooth, light-colored bark and large, compound leaves, this tree has a distinctive look that adds both texture and interest to your landscape. Native to the eastern and central U.S., Butternut is highly valued for its sweet, mild-flavored nuts. As a rare and increasingly threatened species, growing Juglans cinerea in your garden helps support the preservation of this native treasure while enhancing local biodiversity.
Butternuts in Delaware are almost extinct in their pure form due to a canker disease that has effectively wiped them out. Efforts are underway across the country to breed disease resistance to Butternut Canker so that they may one day survive and thrive in again in the wild.
LIMIT 1 PER HOUSEHOLD
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) – A Rare Native Tree for Your Garden
AKA - White Walnut, Oil Nut
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is a beautiful, medium to large native tree that provides both ecological benefits and a bountiful harvest of edible nuts. Known for its smooth, light-colored bark and large, compound leaves, this tree has a distinctive look that adds both texture and interest to your landscape. Native to the eastern and central U.S., Butternut is highly valued for its sweet, mild-flavored nuts. As a rare and increasingly threatened species, growing Juglans cinerea in your garden helps support the preservation of this native treasure while enhancing local biodiversity.
Butternuts in Delaware are almost extinct in their pure form due to a canker disease that has effectively wiped them out. Efforts are underway across the country to breed disease resistance to Butternut Canker so that they may one day survive and thrive in again in the wild.
LIMIT 1 PER HOUSEHOLD
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) – A Rare Native Tree for Your Garden
AKA - White Walnut, Oil Nut
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is a beautiful, medium to large native tree that provides both ecological benefits and a bountiful harvest of edible nuts. Known for its smooth, light-colored bark and large, compound leaves, this tree has a distinctive look that adds both texture and interest to your landscape. Native to the eastern and central U.S., Butternut is highly valued for its sweet, mild-flavored nuts. As a rare and increasingly threatened species, growing Juglans cinerea in your garden helps support the preservation of this native treasure while enhancing local biodiversity.
Butternuts in Delaware are almost extinct in their pure form due to a canker disease that has effectively wiped them out. Efforts are underway across the country to breed disease resistance to Butternut Canker so that they may one day survive and thrive in again in the wild.
LIMIT 1 PER HOUSEHOLD
Why Choose Butternut for Your Garden?
Edible Nuts: Butternut trees produce an edible nut that is prized for its rich, buttery flavor. These sweet, soft-shelled nuts are often compared to walnuts but have a milder taste. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in baked goods, making them a fantastic addition to any edible garden.
Wildlife-Friendly: Butternut trees provide valuable food and shelter for a range of wildlife. The nuts are a favorite of squirrels, chipmunks, and various birds, while the dense foliage offers nesting sites and protection for smaller animals. Its flowers also attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding to its value in a wildlife-friendly garden.
Native & Ecologically Important: As a native species, Juglans cinerea supports local ecosystems and biodiversity. By planting Butternut in your landscape, you’re helping to conserve a species that is increasingly threatened by disease and habitat loss. It also plays an important role in forest ecosystems by improving soil fertility with its deep, nitrogen-fixing roots.
Unique Appearance: Butternut trees have a distinctive, smooth bark that lightens with age, offering a unique aesthetic in your garden. The large, pinnately compound leaves turn yellow in the fall, adding a vibrant splash of color to your landscape. This tree’s elegant form and graceful presence make it a beautiful addition to any garden.
Uses in the Garden:
Edible Landscape: Butternut is a fantastic addition to an edible landscape, providing both delicious nuts and beautiful foliage. Its graceful stature and fall color make it an excellent choice for gardens focused on native plants, sustainability, and food production.
Wildlife Habitat: The tree’s dense canopy and abundant nuts provide shelter and sustenance for local wildlife, from small mammals like squirrels to birds and insects. It’s a valuable species for creating a habitat that supports diverse forms of life.
Shady & Forested Areas: Butternut thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or forest edges. It pairs well with other native trees and shrubs to create a layered, biodiverse planting.
Conservation Gardens: Given its status as a vulnerable species due to disease pressures (specifically Butternut canker), growing Butternut is a way to contribute to the conservation of native plants and biodiversity in your region.
Key Features:
Edible Butternut Nuts: Produces sweet, soft-shelled nuts with a mild, buttery flavor, perfect for culinary use.
Wildlife Support: Offers food and shelter for a variety of birds, mammals, and pollinators.
Attractive Fall Foliage: Leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, adding color and interest to your garden.
Native & Rare: A rare and increasingly threatened species, planting Butternut helps preserve a valuable part of North America’s natural heritage.
Perfect For:
Native plant enthusiasts seeking to enhance their garden with a unique, edible tree
Gardeners looking to create a wildlife-friendly space that supports local fauna
Those interested in growing native trees that contribute to conservation and biodiversity
Permaculture practitioners looking for a nut-bearing tree to add to their sustainable landscape
Anyone passionate about supporting rare and threatened native species while enjoying homegrown nuts
Plant a Butternut tree (Juglans cinerea) in your garden and enjoy the rare beauty, ecological benefits, and delicious harvest it provides. This native treasure is perfect for edible landscaping, wildlife habitat creation, and anyone looking to support biodiversity in their backyard. By growing Butternut, you’ll not only enhance your garden with a unique tree, but also help conserve a species that is becoming increasingly important to preserve for future generations.
