Butternut Tree Seeds - Juglans cinerea

Butternut Tree (Juglans cinerea), also known as White Walnut, is a native North American hardwood tree prized for its rich, buttery-flavored edible nuts and pale, durable timber. Closely related to the black walnut, this tree produces oval nuts enclosed in sticky green husks and has a graceful, open canopy with silver-gray bark.

The Non-GMO Butternut Tree is a cold-hardy, long-lived species ideal for orchards, woodlots, and naturalized landscapes. Its nuts are highly nutritious, rich in healthy fats and proteins, and loved by both people and wildlife.

Features

• Produces delicious, buttery-flavored edible nuts
• Non-GMO, hardy, and long-lived native species
• Valuable for both nut production and fine-grain hardwood
• Cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established
• Attracts squirrels, deer, and pollinators
• Excellent for reforestation, orchards, and shade planting

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Juglans cinerea
• Common Name: Butternut / White Walnut
• Plant Type: Deciduous nut tree
• Growth Height: 40–80 feet
• Spread: 35–60 feet
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-drained loam; pH 6.0–7.5
• Bloom Season: Late spring
• Nut Season: Early to mid-fall (September–October)
• Flower Color: Greenish-yellow catkins
• Nut Color: Light brown shell with ridged husk
• Foliage: Green turning golden yellow in fall
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Planting Season: Spring or fall
• Sowing Depth: 1–2 inches
• Germination Time: 60–120 days (cold stratification for 90–120 days required)
• Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning; avoid overwatering young seedlings
• Wildlife Benefits: Nuts feed squirrels, birds, and deer
• Uses: Edible nut tree, timber, reforestation, shade tree, native woodland restoration

Planting Guide

• Cold Stratify: Refrigerate seeds for 90–120 days in moist medium to break dormancy.
• Prepare Soil: Choose deep, well-drained soil in a sunny location.
• Sow Seeds: Plant 1–2 inches deep; water thoroughly.
• Light: Provide full sunlight for strong growth.
• Watering: Keep soil moist during germination; reduce watering after establishment.
• Spacing: 30–50 feet apart for orchard or landscape planting.
• Care: Mulch to retain moisture; prune lightly in winter to shape young trees.