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

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Bitternut Hickory

Carya cordiformis

Juglans cinerea

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Bitternut Hickory
Butternut (White Walnut)

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

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.

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $18.99 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Bark: ridged, durable
Nuts: bitter
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: swamp hickory
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut