Butternut (White Walnut) vs Kentucky Coffeetree - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Kentucky Coffeetree

Juglans cinerea

Gymnocladus dioicus

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Butternut (White Walnut)
Kentucky Coffeetree

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.

The Kentucky Coffeetree has the largest leaves of any native tree in North America! In the summer, its large green canopy provides shade. While in the winter, its leathery bean pods act as a decorative element against the sky as they rattle in the wind. Beautiful year-round, this tree is an elegant addition to any landscape.

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut
Other Names: coffeetree