What Makes the Butternut Tree Special?
This self-pollinating species from the walnut family is planted both as a shade tree and as an ornamental tree. This low-maintenance deciduous tree is suitable as a solitary tree in medium-sized gardens. Butternut trees have an attractive growth habit, with a broad, rounded crown and strong branches. Their distinctive features include feathered leaves up to 50 cm long and decorative bark. Juglans cinerea (Butternut) can be found in many parks across Central Europe.
6 Reasons to Buy a Butternut Tree
That the Juglans cinerea butternut is a beautiful ornamental tree has already been mentioned. However, there are even more benefits:
- The butternut tree is a fruit tree that produces a small autumn harvest of hard-shelled fruits (also called nuts). Unlike regular fruits, the kernel inside the hard shell is consumed rather than the flesh. Butternuts are highly oily and have a mild, buttery flavor. The relatively small nuts are great for baking cakes and cookies. Their antioxidants are believed to have health-promoting benefits.
- As with all Juglans species, the female flowers are inconspicuous. They grow on side branches and form clustered fruit bunches. However, the male catkins, which are 6 to 14 cm long, are highly decorative.
- The fruits serve as an additional food source for wildlife, including squirrels and birds. These deciduous trees also provide a habitat for various insect species.
- The hard, light golden wood of this Juglans species is durable and easy to work with. The reddish-brown heartwood is highly valued, making it a popular choice for furniture, woodcraft, and other decorative objects.
- Butternut trees are resilient, wind-resistant, and winter-hardy. They tolerate climatic conditions in Germany exceptionally well, making frost damage unlikely.
- As a sun-loving tree, Juglans cinerea helps improve the microclimate in a garden and provides protection against extreme temperatures.
Cultivations and Crossbreeds
The Juglans cinerea butternut has been selected and cultivated over a long period. The result is a wide variety of cultivars and hybrids that differ in growth habit, nut quality, and yield. The following varieties are available:
- Buartnut – Crossbreed of Butternut and Heartnut
Originally, the cross between butternut (Juglans cinerea) and heartnut (Juglans ailantifolia) was called Buartnut. Similar to English, the Dutch name "Boterhartnoot" combines both tree names. Today, all butternut hybrids are classified as Buartnut (Juglans cinerea x Juglans spp.). These fast-growing trees bloom in May and June, right after the leaves emerge. These nut trees thrive in soils with a pH between 5.9 and 7. After 12 years, depending on the location, a Buartnut tree can grow over 14 meters tall. The edible nuts of this Juglans hybrid ripen between late September and early October.
- Butternut 'Mitchell'
The ButterHeartnut 'Mitchell' is a hybrid of Juglans cinerea and Juglans ailantifolia (Heartnut). It is also commonly referred to as Mitchell Buartnut. This frost-resistant hybrid is self-pollinating and blooms in May. The Mitchell variety grows at a moderate rate and starts blooming within 2 to 3 years. The kernels are easy to remove from the decorative shells and are ready to eat. A typical feature is the butter-yellow color of the nut kernel when cracked open. The medium-sized nut's shape reveals its genetic relation to Juglans ailantifolia.
- Butternut Juglans cinerea 'Chamberlin'
The cultivated butternut Juglans cinerea 'Chamberlin' originates from Chamberlin Corners, NY (USA). The nuts are oval-shaped with a thick, hard-to-crack shell. The green leaves are velvety-haired. Depending on the growing conditions, the 'Chamberlin' variety can exceed 16 meters in height within 15 years.
- Butternut Juglans cinerea 'Beckwith'
The 'Beckwith' butternut (Juglans cinerea 'Beckwith') originates from Ohio (USA). This selection is also found in southern Canada. A typical feature is its short, heavy trunk with low-hanging branches. The velvety-haired leaves are dark green with a broad, serrated edge. The nuts are similar in size to the 'Chamberlin' variety, with an irregular, pointed shape and a thick, difficult-to-crack shell. Juglans cinerea 'Beckwith' is one of the most resilient nut tree species. Depending on the site, the 'Beckwith' butternut can reach over 16 meters in height within 15 years.
Easily Order a Butternut Tree Online
Our webshop offers a selection of robust butternut varieties, giving you access to a high-quality tree selection. At our specialized nursery, you will find butternut trees in sizes ranging from 50 cm to 250 cm.
Need Help Choosing the Right Butternut Tree?
Do you have questions about ordering or delivery? Let us assist you. Together, we will help you find the perfect choice among different nut trees, walnut trees, pecan trees, and more that meet your requirements.
If you haven’t decided yet and need extra advice, feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +31 488234 766 or via email at [email protected].
Visit Our Experience Garden
Tip: During the growing season, you can visit our experience garden by appointment, where you can view a wide range of nut tree species and special varieties. We offer a broad selection of nut trees and comprehensive support, from purchase to harvest.
