Butternut (White Walnut) vs Water Birch (Red Birch) - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Water Birch (Red Birch)

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Juglans cinerea

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Butternut (White Walnut)

Water Birch, also known as Red Birch, is a waterside plant native to western North America. This multi-stemmed species is ideal for wetlands. It tolerates being planted in heavy clay and wet soil conditions.

This tree grows small enough for yards with limited space.

It is an attractive ornamental with reddish non-peeling bark.

Note: Unfortunately this difficult to grow species is not currently scheduled to grow at TreeTime.ca. Perhaps try purchasing seed from SeedTime.ca and growing your own? Or sign up for a restock notification above.

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.

Water Birch (Red Birch) Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 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


Bark: non-peeling, shiny, reddish brown and marked with white horizontal streaks
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Other Names: red birch
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut