Butternut (White Walnut) vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Juglans cinerea

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Black Cherry
Butternut (White Walnut)

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

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.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $26.99 - SAVE UP TO 18%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut