American Elm vs Butternut (White Walnut) - TreeTime.ca

American Elm vs Butternut (White Walnut)

Ulmus americana

Juglans cinerea

American Elm
Butternut (White Walnut)

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

Butternut is one of the few walnut varieties native to Canada. The nuts are sought after for their mild, sweet, and oily taste. Ensure this tree is planted in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.

Butternut is self-fertile but it has better yields when planted near other butternuts. It can survive in zone 2, but reliably produces nuts in zone 3.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

American Elm Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $18.99 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: very long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: bright yellow
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut