Butternut or White Walnut (Juglans cinerea)

Form

Reaches height of 60 to 80 feet and diameter of 3 feet; top develops into open, broad, crown; may be distinguished from black walnut by velvet collars just above scars left by last year's leaves.

Bark

Divided into broad, scaly intersecting ridges, forming a rough diamond-shaped pattern; light gray to light brown.

Leaf

Alternate compound leaves; length 15 to 30 inches, each with 11 to 17 sharply pointed, oblong, finely-toothed leaflets about 2 to 3 inches long; yellowish-green above and hairy underneath. The pith in the twigs is chambered and chocolate brown.

Fruit

Light brown nut enclosed in oblong, somewhat pointed, sticky, yellowish-green husk about 2 inches long; husk covered with short, rusty, sticky hairs. Nut has rough, grooved shell and oily, sweet edible kernel.

Range

A common occurrence in the southern part of the state and is known to extend northward into Langlade, Burnett and Ashland counties. It grows on the better sites.

Wood

Light, soft, not strong; coarse grained, light brown; takes good polish; used for furniture and interior finish for houses.

Notes

Butternut canker has killed numerous trees throughout Wisconsin.