Juglans cinerea aka White Walnut

Taxonomy

Juglans cinerea, also known as butternut or white walnut, is a species of deciduous tree native to Canada and the eastern United States. It belongs to the Juglans genus and is similar to the Manchurian walnut. The tree has a decorative crown and complex leaves, and the twigs are gray in color. The fruit has visible ribs on its surface and a sinuous shell that holds the green nut. The nut's shell is difficult to separate and is sticky and resinous on top. It has a bitter, iodine taste and stays green for a long time. Butternut Tree is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and prefers well-draining soil. It needs direct light and should be less than a foot away from a window. Repotting is necessary each time the plant doubles in size. In botanical gardens, Manchu nuts are preferred for food, and gray ones are only used in thaws or early spring. Nuts that are not covered by leaves or soil lose their germination by spring. The plant is known for its protective mechanisms against squirrels.

Common names

White Walnut, Butternut, Butternut Tree

How to care for White Walnut

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for White Walnut due to its easy-going nature.

Water

White Walnut should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Walnut loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the White Walnut prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the White Walnut is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

White Walnut’s native range is Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Georgia, west to Arkansas and North Dakota.


More info:
Wikipedia