Butternut (White Walnut) vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Butternut (White Walnut) vs Hardy Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

Juglans cinerea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Hardy Pecan
Butternut (White Walnut)

Hardy Pecan trees are known for their edible nuts that ripen in late autumn. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be used in a wide range of baked goods. If stored properly in a cool, dry location, they can be kept for up to 6 months in their shell. Trees tend to bear nuts at maturity, which occurs around 6 -10 years. The size and form of this tree also makes it a great shade or feature tree for your landscape.

For nut production, it is recommended that at least 2-3 are planted so that cross pollination can occur. In colder areas it is likely that nut production will be limited, especially in locations with late frosts and shorter growing seasons.

If exposed to high winds, Hardy Pecan is known to lose branches, but these can be used as firewood, or to smoke foods with a hickory flavour. Finding seed or seedlings of this tree is rare in Canada.

Note: plant this tree once. It will not respond well to transplanting.

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.

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Butternut (White Walnut) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $32.99
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (27 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: high
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: yellow
Nuts: oval, brown
Nuts: brown shell, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: carya pecan, faux hickory, hicoria pecan, illinois nut, illinois nut tree, pecan hickory, soft-shelled hickory, sweet pecan
Other Names: demon walnut, oilnut, white walnut