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
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical 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
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
Get involved
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