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

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Black Locust

Juglans cinerea

Robinia pseudoacacia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Butternut (White Walnut)
Black Locust

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 Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust