Walnut, White (Butternut), Bare Root

White Walnut / Butternut (Juglans cinerea)

Butternut is a native walnut with elongated nuts and sweet, oily kernels. Its open crown and 40–60-foot mature height suit a spacious edible landscape.

Key Characteristics

Compare the two native walnuts

Butternut kernels are generally milder than Black Walnut. Both have hard shells and require processing; they are distinct species, not interchangeable grades.

An important disease consideration

Butternut canker has severely affected wild populations. These seedlings are not sold as resistant selections, so planting one carries a real possibility of future disease.

Sun and thoughtful placement

Choose an open site with moist, well-drained soil. Like black walnut, butternut produces juglone, so plan nearby vegetation and keep sensitive garden crops elsewhere.

Product Details

• Native range / origin: Eastern Canada and central/eastern United States
• Plant type: Deciduous perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; full sun is best for nut production.
• Soil moisture: Medium; see site guidance above.
• Mature height: 40–60 feet
• Bloom: April–May–June; Yellow, Green
• Fruit / seed: Elongated, hard-shelled nuts with sweet, oily kernels; seedling characteristics vary.
• Harvest: September–October
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated; plant multiple genetically different butternuts for improved cross-pollination opportunities.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7
• Stock: 18"-24".

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting, spread roots naturally, and water thoroughly. Maintain a mulched area clear of grass, with mulch pulled away from stems. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend is optional and should be used according to its label, away from direct contact with bare roots.

Inspect stems for cankers and branch dieback. Give the tree space and avoid damaging the trunk or compacting its root zone.

For ideas on combining planting layers, explore our fruit-tree guild guide. Give the nut tree's mature canopy and roots priority when arranging companions.