Juglans cinerea - Butternut

Sizes available: Tree pot

Basics: zones 3-7, full sun, 40-60' x 40-60' (crown al maturity), the male flowers are a greenish-yellow catkin and the female flowers a cluster of little red spikelets. These appear on the same plant (monoecious) and bloom in late spring. Medium water use, but likes it on the wet side. Might prefer calcareous soil, but occurs in all parts of Maine, so seems adaptable. Short-lived tree (apx. 75yrs) but a useful and interesting one. 

Common names: Butternut, White Walnut, Oil Nut, Lemon Nut

Family: Juglandaceae

Origin/Distribution: Native to eastern Canada and central and eastern U.S. as far south as Georgia and as far West as Minnesota. It is endangered and all but extirpated in parts of its range. Has as been introduced in Denmark, Poland, Romania, and parts of the Caucasus. Native to Maine.

Habitat: flood plains, swamp, bottomlands, riparian, some drier soils (on limestone)

More: The bark and oil have been used medicinally. The nuts are delicious, very rich in fats, and enjoyed by mammals of all sorts, including humans. Great addition to a food forest (but like Black Walnut, produces juglone, so site with care.) More information coming soon. 

Source: seed grown at After the Fall Farm, Maine ecotype

Image credits: These three images are via Creative Commons through the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. The first image is courtesy of H. Zell. Image two (female flowers) and three (male flowers) are courtesy of Steven Katovich