White walnut

White Walnut or Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is a species of walnut native to the eastern United States and southeast Canada. Its common name is derived from the oil-rich, buttery kernels of the tree's fruit.

Description

The White Walnut tree typically grows to be 20 to 30 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate, 40–70 cm long, with 11–17 leaflets, each leaflet 5–10 cm long. The whole leaf is downy-pubescent, and a somewhat brighter, yellower green than many other tree leaves.

Distribution and Habitat

White Walnut is found in the eastern United States and southeast Canada. It grows in a variety of soil types, usually on stream banks and other well-drained and sunny locales.

Uses

The wood of the White Walnut tree is light in color and easy to work with. It has been used for furniture, paneling, dowels, and even for carving. The nuts are edible and have a sweet, oily, pleasant flavor.

Conservation Status

The White Walnut has been classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to its survival are the Butternut canker, a fungal disease, and overharvesting for its wood.

See Also

• Walnut
• Juglans
• International Union for Conservation of Nature

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