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

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Black Cottonwood

Populus trichocarpa

Juglans cinerea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Cottonwood
Butternut (White Walnut)

Black Cottonwood is the largest and tallest of the North American poplars. Named after its white, fluffy seeds with cottony hairs, this hardy tree produces sticky, fragrant buds and has a straight growth habit. Black Cottonwood needs ample moisture and nutrients to grow successfully to full height and are found in the Western provinces and the Yukon with BC being its heartland.

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.

Black Cottonwood Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 30 m (100 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, YT
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: balsam cottonwood, california poplar, western balsam poplar
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut