Nova Scotia grown

ButternutNursery grown
  • Butternut — photo 1
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  • Grown with care in Nova Scotia
  • Hardy in Zones 3–7
  • Secure packaging
  • Live arrival guarantee

Butternut

Juglans cinerea

A cold-hardy native nut tree with sweet, buttery nuts — rarer every year and worth planting.

  • Plant typeNut Tree
  • Mature height50 ft
  • Spread40 ft
  • Growth ratemedium

Out of season — ordering reopens in November.

Browse varieties and plan your planting now. Product pages remain available year-round.

CA$13.00from · CAD

Ordering reopens in November

Ships Spring

Size
Quantity
1
Butternut
CA$13.00

Why buy from Little Tree Farm?

  • Locally grown in Nova Scotia
  • Climate ready & hardy
  • Carefully packed for safe delivery
  • Live arrival guarantee

Best planting time: Spring (Apr–Jun) · Dormant shipping ensures the best possible start.

Product details

About Butternut

Growing Zone: 3 - 7 SIZE: A Grade (Ground-Ready): Stronger, thicker stems for instant planting. B Grade (Ground-Ready): Smaller than A grade and suitable for planting directly in the ground. HYBRID BUTTERNUT: cross pollinated with extreme butternut qualities. The butternut tree, also called white walnut was once a very familiar and pleaseant site along the country roads and woodlands in North America, but in recent years it is little to be seen. The old butternut trees would probably still be here were it not for the blight and oyster-shell scale. A native tree of New Brunswick, Canada , there are rare pockets of older trees. Classified as an endangered species by the New Brunswick Nature Trust. This means that without some form of action, they could disappear from Canada or the entire planet. The butternut, named for its rich, delicious nuts , which are produced each year and in abundance every two to three years. This species grows well in open areas and is typically found at the edge of floodplains, along streams, and on rich upland sites. With links to a Canadian viking visit. Hardy throughout most of Canada and the United States butternuts can reach a height of 90 feet at a very old age. Juglans Cinerea Scientifically known as Juglans cinerea, is a deciduous tree belonging to the walnut family (Juglandaceae). Native to eastern North America and is closely related to the black walnut and the Japanese walnut, sharing similar characteristics and growing habits. Known for its elegant appearance , usually growing around 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters). With a spread of about 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters). It features a broad, rounded crown and attractive compound leaves. The foliage turns a striking golden yellow in the autumn , adding a touch of warmth to the landscape. This majestic tree prefers well drained soils. It grows well along the edges of rivers and brooks and watersheds in the New Brunswick area. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it tends to perform best in deep, fertile soils. With a moderate growth rate and can live for several decades, providing shade, beauty, and a bountiful harvest of nuts. Butternut Tree Nut The Butternut tree produces oblong nuts with a rough, thick husk. When split open to reveal the sweet, oily kernel inside. The nuts have a buttery rich flavor. Its sweet, oily nuts, elegant appearance, and adaptability to a variety of soil types make it a desirable tree for both ornamental and edible purposes. However, the Butternut tree faces challenges from the butternut canker disease, which has significantly impacted its population. Grow your butternut tree today to help to conserve and protect this unique and valuable species, ensuring its survival for future generations to enjoy.

Planting compatibility

Designed To Thrive Where You Live

Healthy roots start with the right match. Here's where this plant shines.

  • Hardiness

    Zone 3 to 7

    Cold hardy and resilient through northern winters.

  • Light

    Full Sun Preferred

    Thrives with 6+ hours of direct sunlight.

  • Soil

    Well-drained loam

    Prefers average moisture conditions.

  • Size

    50 ft tall · 40 ft wide

    Plant 35 ft apart for healthy growth.

  • Care

    Moderate Care

    A little attention goes a long way.

  • Growth

    Medium — settles in, then takes off

    First harvest in about 6 years.

Climate confidence

  • Excellent for Zones 37 — plant with full confidence.
  • Possible in Zone 2 with a sheltered spot and winter protection.
  • Not recommended below Zone 2.

Works well for

  • cold climates
  • nuts
  • restoration
  • legacy planting
Feeds the birdsWildlife food source

Honest fit and pollination guidance

Good for

  • cold climates
  • nuts
  • restoration
  • legacy planting

Not ideal for

We'd rather tell you now than disappoint you later.

  • small yards

Plant a pollination partner

Plant two for reliable nut set.

Ships Spring

Reserved now, shipped in the spring planting window

This plant travels dormant — no leaves to wilt, energy stored in the roots. Spring shipping means it wakes up in your soil, not in a box.

  • Your order reserves the plant; we grow it on until it's time.

  • Dug fresh, roots wrapped moist, packed by hand.

  • Shipped when your zone's planting weeks arrive — planting guide included.

Local to Nova Scotia? Free farm pickup is available for your Butternut at checkout. Details on the shipping page.

Common questions

Before you plant

Will it survive in my zone?

Butternut is hardy in Zones 3–7. Inside that range it will handle winter reliably; one zone colder is possible with a sheltered site and mulch.

Do I need more than one?

Yes — Butternut needs a pollination partner nearby to produce well.

When will it ship?

Ships Spring — we ship in the ideal planting window for your region, with roots protected and planting instructions included.

How big does it get?

Expect roughly 50 ft tall and 40 ft wide at maturity, so plant about 35 ft apart.

How soon will it produce?

Typically around 6 years to first harvest — young plants put their energy into roots first, and it pays off for decades.