Juglandaceae -- Walnut family

    George Rink

    Butternut (Juglans cinerea), also called white walnut or  oilnut, grows rapidly on well-drained soils of hillsides and  streambanks in mixed hardwood forests. This small to medium-sized  tree is short lived, seldom reaching the age of 75. Butternut is  more valued for its nuts than for lumber. The soft coarse-grained  wood works, stains, and finishes well. Small amounts are used for  cabinetwork, furniture, and novelties. The sweet nuts are prized  as a food by man and animals. Butternut is easily grown but must  be transplanted early because of the quickly developing root  system.