Butternut (White Walnut) vs Ironwood Tree - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Ironwood Tree

Juglans cinerea

Ostrya virginiana

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Butternut (White Walnut)
Ironwood Tree

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.

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


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


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut