Butternut (Juglans cinerea)

Also known as: Butternut tree

The Butternut (*Juglans cinerea*) is an American native walnut species. This deciduous tree typically reaches heights of 18 to 24 meters and features a broad, rounded canopy. In autumn, it yields sweet, oily nuts that are quite tasty. Unfortunately, the species is at risk due to a fungal canker that poses a significant threat to its survival in forests and natural habitats.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Butternut

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

20 m to 40 m

Spread

12 m to 18 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Green Yellow

Images of Butternut

Quickly Identify Butternut

Dark green, odd-pinnately compound leaves with 11-19 oblong to lanceolate leaflets.

Greenish fruit husk with 2-4 longitudinal ridges and characteristic sticky hairs.

Yellow-green catkins for male flowers and shorter spikes for female blooms.

Deciduous tree with a short, forked trunk and stout branches.

Bark with distinct narrow ridges, flat tops, and intersecting diamond-shaped patterns.

Scientific Classification of Butternut

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fagales

Family

Walnut

Genus

Walnuts

Species

Butternut

Planting and Growing of Butternut

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Butternut?

The butternut tree, or Juglans cinerea, prefers a moderate watering regimen. Ideally, water it thoroughly until the top few inches of soil are moist, ensuring the water penetrates deeply to encourage the roots to grow deeper. This translates to about 2000 milliliters per watering session.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Butternut?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Juglans cinerea ideally needs partial to full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. This range promotes healthy photosynthesis, ensuring strong growth and abundant nut production.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Butternut?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Juglans cinerea thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, which offers the right conditions for growth and development. This temperature range facilitates key processes including photosynthesis and cellular activity, crucial for maintaining the plant's health and vitality.

What Soil is Best for Butternut?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Juglans cinerea thrives best in soils with excellent drainage, as this prevents root rot and ensures healthy growth. Excess moisture in the soil can negatively impact the plant’s health, making proper drainage a crucial factor. This tree prefers nutrient-rich soil to support its large and expansive growth. A well-fertilized loamy soil enhances growth by providing essential nutrients, resulting in lush foliage and robust wood development. While Juglans cinerea prefers well-drained soil, maintaining consistent moisture is key. Regular soil moisture ensures vigorous growth, preventing stress that can cause leaf wilt and reduced nut production. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Butternut?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Juglans cinerea, it's important to apply approximately 4 ounces of balanced fertilizer per inch of the tree's trunk diameter. This ensures the tree receives adequate nutrients for its growth without causing harm. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Butternut?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the tree for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be removed first to prevent the spread of disease and improve the tree's overall health. Focus on thinning out crowded areas of the tree to ensure adequate light and air circulation throughout the canopy. Prune selectively to maintain a well-balanced structure and promote even growth. Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch junction. This allows water to run off the cut surface and encourages quicker healing and new growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Butternut plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Juglans cinerea seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Place the seeds in a moist substrate and refrigerate for 90-120 days to simulate winter conditions, ensuring even exposure to cold.

During grafting, select a healthy scion and rootstock. Ensure both are disease-free and of compatible age and size for optimal graft success. Make cuts at the correct angle to facilitate alignment and union.

After stratification, sow the seeds in spring, planting them in well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, providing adequate sunlight to encourage germination and growth.

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How to Repot Butternut plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Juglans cinerea, also known as the Butternut tree, signals its need for repotting when you see roots circling the pot interior or emerging from drainage holes. This indicates the plant's space is too restricted for optimal growth. Look for a slowdown in growth as another cue; if the tree seems stunted despite proper watering and care, it might be time to refresh its living quarters. Best to tackle this during the Spring and Autumn seasons, as the plant tends to handle stress better in milder temperatures.

When selecting a new pot for your Juglans cinerea, aim for one that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. More spacious, but not overwhelmingly so, allowing room for growth without drowning the roots. Ensure the pot has drainage holes; good drainage is non-negotiable for preventing root rot. A sturdy material like terra-cotta or ceramic can also provide the stability needed to support this growing tree, and they help wick away excess moisture, keeping roots healthy.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil that can retain some moisture but won't become waterlogged. Look for soil rich in organic matter, which will supply essential nutrients while promoting robust root development. A soil blend with added perlite or sand can enhance aeration and drainage, making it ideal for a dynamic root system. The balance in this soil type supports vigorous growth and a thriving Butternut tree.

Toxicity of Butternut

Is Butternut toxic to humans?

The butternut tree is known to produce juglone, a potent toxin, present in all its tissues except for the nuts. Individuals who handle walnut wood may experience skin rashes resulting from direct contact with the sap or sawdust, and they are also at risk of respiratory issues, inflammation, fatigue, and mood disturbances due to inhaling its sawdust over time. The fruit husks and flesh have a historical usage as fish poison, highlighting the seriousness of this toxin. Consumption of the fruit, leaves, or other parts of the tree can lead to poisoning in humans as well, inducing gastrointestinal distress and possibly severe respiratory complications. It is crucial to keep children away from both the tree itself and its byproducts such as raw wood, wood chips, and sawdust.

Is Butternut toxic to cat?

The butternut tree presents a moderate risk of toxicity to cats. If felines consume any of its components, including the fruits, leaves, or roots, they may suffer from poisoning. Symptoms of exposure can manifest as signs of physical discomfort or illness, which may encompass a variety of poisoning-related reactions. To protect their pets' health, it is crucial for owners to restrict access to these plant parts and to seek prompt veterinary assistance if there is any suspicion that a cat has ingested butternut. Quick intervention is critical to alleviate the impact of the toxic exposure and to safeguard the health of the affected feline.

Is Butternut toxic to dog?

Butternut presents a moderate toxicity threat to dogs. Canines may suffer poisoning by consuming various parts of the plant, particularly the fruits, leaves, and roots. Should a dog ingest any of these elements, it could display symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or more severe indications based on the quantity ingested. It is essential for pet owners to restrict access to butternut and pursue prompt veterinary attention if their pet exhibits any symptoms of toxicity.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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