Butternut (White Walnut) vs Shagbark Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Shagbark Hickory

Juglans cinerea

Carya ovata

Butternut (White Walnut)
Shagbark Hickory

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.

Shagbark Hickory is a unique tree both for its looks and uses. Its bark peels into long thin vertical strips giving it a shaggy appearance. This and its golden fall leaves make it a gorgeous looking tree. This species produces tasty hickory nuts once mature. Hickory smoke is also treasured for curing meats and its generally fantastic smell.

This tree is best planted away from any buildings due to a deep taproot and large size. Many people remark on the unusual taproot for this tree that can be over 6 feet deep while the plant only has 2 feet of top growth.

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Shagbark Hickory Quick Facts

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Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Bark: shaggy looking bark peels vertically in long strips
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Nuts: similar to pecans
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high




Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut
Other Names: carolina hickory, scalybark hickory, shellbark hickory, upland hickory