Butternut Tree Habitat

Range

• The tree grows from New Brunswick and through all the New England states. Butternut does not grow in Cape Cod and northwest Maine. In the southern side, the natural growing area ranges from New Jersey down through Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina and into Arkansas. In the west, the range extends to central Iowa. Butternut covers a greater range in the north but less in the south than the black walnut.

Habitat

• The habitat of the butternut tree includes well-drained stream banks. The tree is also well-adapted to growing in dry, compact, rocky or limestone ground. Butternut grows abundantly on slopes, terraces and coves in its native habitat. In its natural range, the tree easily thrives at elevations of up to 4,900 feet. The black walnut is far less adapted to these elevations.

Tree Description

• The butternut tree grows to a mature height of 60 to 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet and a broad, open crown. The pinnately compound foliage measures 1 to 2 feet long and comprises 11 to 17 leaflets. The yellow-green leaves with serrated edges have hairy undersides. The oblong, 1- to 2-inch fruit has greenish-brown husks and matures in about a year. Young trees have light gray, smooth bark that grows furrows and ridges with age.

Wood Quality

• Butternut tree sapwood is lighter in color, ranging between white to grayish brown, with chestnut-brown heartwood. The moderately lightweight wood has a straight grain and is soft in texture. Butternut lumber is mainly used in the construction of cabinets, furniture, interior paneling, novelty items and toys. The wood stains easily and resembles black walnut. The primary lumber-producing regions in the United States include Tennessee, Indiana, West Virginia and Wisconsin.