Butternut is a North American native, related to black walnut. It is an
endangered species.
Identification: Trees reach 66′ (20 m) in height,
rarely 98′ (30 m). Trunks are 1-2½′ (40-80 cm) in diameter. Leaves are 10-20″ (25-50 cm) long, and odd pinnate, that is,
composed of opposing pairs of leaflets, 10-16 in this case, with an additional leaflet poking out
at the end. Leaves have a soft hairlike feel, and a yellowish green. Male flowers are yellow-green catkins
(hanging flowers) that are easily missed. Female flowers are bright red, but small and also easily missed. Fruits resemble lemons in shape and limes in color, with a fuzzy exterior that
becomes warty later.
Growing in groups of two to six, they are 1-2″ (3-6 cm) ×
¾-1½″ (2-4 cm),