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Fruit EdibleTrees

Juglans cinerea (F)

butternut

A deciduous, broad tree reaching a height of between 15m and 18m at maturity, with deeply furrowed grey to brown bark and oblong-shaped foliage which emerges copper-coloured, changing to bright green then yellow in autumn. Male flowers are pale green and catkin-like whilst female are red and furry, turning to green fruit in late summer from which edible walnuts can be extracted. Walnuts are produced on quite young trees - usually less than ten years old. Most walnut trees will need a pollinator of a different variety, even if self-fertile

Other common names
white walnut
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red Green Bronze
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Juglandaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Juglans are deciduous trees with pinnate leaves, and inconspicuous flowers in catkins followed by usually edible nuts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eastern N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, fertile soil. Suited to very large gardens or parks. For nut production, more than one tree is needed for cross pollination

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and walnut blister mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to walnut leaf spot, walnut leaf blotch, honey fungus and coral spot

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