Juglans cinerea

Boternoot / Butternut

Juglandaceae (Okkernootfamilie)

Edible plant part (1)

Nuts
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Butternut belongs to the canopy layer in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a late species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 12 to 25 meter. and a width of 6 to 12 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open.
This species forms a taproot deep root system. This species is slightly spreading in the food forest. Butternut is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Dan Mullen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/9616891704

foto: Dan Mullen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/9616891704

foto: Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail, https://www.flickr.com/photos/59898141@N06/25188395460

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juglans_cinerea_15-p.bot-juglan.ciner-054.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early june
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: wind
Plant reproductive fertility: self sterile
Maximum distance for cross pollination: 50 - 100 metre

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

squirrels, crow species

Harvest and Consumption

Nuts

Productive life span - start (age) - maximum: Late
Harvest location edible part: Ground layer
Harvesting period - start: End of october
Harvesting period - length: Month, several weeks
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Year
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 30
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 200
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 250

Culinary appreciation

High in fat, with an intriguing spiky shape. The kernel comes out whole and beautifully intact. Its flavor resembles a buttery walnut, and it is cherished in gastronomy.

References