Description
Butternut grows to 66 ft tall, rarely 130 ft, is a slow-growing species (some studies indicate it’s a fast growing tree!), and rarely lives longer than 75 years. The root systems is composed of wide-spreading laterals with a deep taproot developing where soil permits.
USDA Species Information for Juglans cinerea
The nuts of butternut furnish food for many rodents.
Shells have industrial uses and, beyond dye, immature nuts are pickled, hulls used for tinctures and the list goes on for homestead use.
Using black walnut husks for a natural fabric dye is the easiest way to get caught up in a new hobby. Flora & Fiber does a great rundown of black walnut dye methods posted online. Every year, we collect buckets of husks, let them fill with rain water and ferment until it’s wood stove season and the whole mess is strained into large pots and woolens are dyed on the stove. We refresh the color every year or throw in some rust water to get a deep brown black.
Juglone from walnut, butternut, butternut, hickory and other nut trees
Hydroxyjuglone is a nontoxic, colorless precursor that is converted into the toxic form juglone by sensitive plants and through oxidation. It is found in the vegetative buds, leaves, stems, nut hulls, and roots of the plants. Penn State Extension has a great list of trees and shrubs that are tolerant to juglone and land care practices that may give you some wiggle room when planting around these wonderful, nutty trees.