Northern Red Oak vs Butternut (White Walnut) - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Oak vs Butternut (White Walnut)

Juglans cinerea

Quercus rubra

Butternut (White Walnut)
Northern Red Oak

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.

Northern Red Oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree. It is fast-growing (for an oak tree) and is used primarily in lawns, parks, golf courses, street-side plantings, and commercial areas. Northern Red Oak's fall color is spectacular.

In open spaces, it has a short, massive trunk and an extensive crown. In forests Northern Red Oak grows with a tall columnar bole and small rounded head.

We are one of the only nurseries growing this tree.

Check out some video of the spectacular fall colour on our Northern Red Oak seedlings just before harvest on our YouTube Channel.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Northern Red Oak Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $18.99 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Lowest Price: $10.49 - SAVE UP TO 34%
Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Bark: Smooth and grey (young), Furrowed and grey (mature)
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Nuts: Produces acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut
Other Names: champion oak, red oak