Butternut Walnut Tree Bark Identification (5 Pro Woodworker Tips)

The scent of wood smoke, the rhythmic thud of an axe biting into seasoned oak… these are the sounds and smells that have been woven into the fabric of my life since I was a boy. My grandfather, a seasoned woodworker with hands as rough as bark and a heart as warm as a crackling hearth, taught me the art of transforming fallen trees into useful things. He instilled in me a deep respect for the forest and the bounty it provides, but also the importance of knowing your wood. And that’s where identifying trees like the butternut walnut comes into play.

You see, not all trees are created equal. Some are prized for their strength, others for their beauty, and still others for their unique properties. The butternut walnut, with its distinctive bark and valuable wood, falls into a category all its own. And, while it’s not as commercially prevalent as its black walnut cousin, knowing how to identify it can be a game-changer for the discerning woodworker.

Butternut Walnut Tree Bark Identification: 5 Pro Woodworker Tips

The butternut walnut (Juglans cinerea), often overshadowed by its more popular cousin, the black walnut (Juglans nigra), holds a special place in the hearts of woodworkers who appreciate its unique qualities. Its lighter-colored wood, easier workability, and distinctive bark make it a valuable find in the forest. But before you can harvest its bounty, you need to be able to identify it. Here are five pro woodworker tips to help you spot a butternut walnut tree:

1. The “Chocolate Bar” Bark Pattern: A Distinctive Identifier

The bark of the butternut walnut is perhaps its most distinctive feature, particularly in mature trees. It presents a unique pattern that I like to call the “chocolate bar” look.

• Description: The bark is typically light gray to grayish-brown and is deeply furrowed. The furrows run vertically along the trunk, creating long, flat ridges. These ridges are separated by deep, dark fissures, resembling the sections of a chocolate bar.
• Why it Works: This pattern is more pronounced in butternut walnut than in black walnut. Black walnut bark tends to be darker, thicker, and has a more diamond-shaped furrow pattern.
• Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on the “chocolate bar” pattern. Look for other identifying features, especially if the bark is covered in moss or lichen. Young butternut walnut trees may have smoother bark, making the pattern less obvious.

2. Leaf Scars: A Key to Winter Identification

When the leaves have fallen, the leaf scars on the twigs become a valuable clue.

• Description: Butternut walnut leaf scars are distinctive shield-shaped or “monkey-faced” scars located directly above the buds. They are typically larger than those found on other trees. A fuzzy, tan-colored pad will be visible within the leaf scar.
• Why it Works: The shape and size of the leaf scar are unique to the butternut walnut. The fuzzy pad is an especially helpful feature.
• Pro Tip: Carry a small magnifying glass during winter scouting trips. This will help you get a closer look at the leaf scars and confirm your identification. Compare the leaf scars to pictures and descriptions in a reliable field guide.

3. The Compound Leaves: A Summer Giveaway

During the growing season, the leaves are an excellent identifier.

• Description: Butternut walnut trees have alternate, pinnately compound leaves, meaning the leaves are arranged alternately along the twig and are composed of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem (rachis). Each leaf typically has 11-17 leaflets, and the terminal leaflet is usually present (unlike some other walnut species). The leaflets are lance-shaped, serrated (toothed), and have a slightly hairy underside. The entire compound leaf can be 12-24 inches long.
• Why it Works: The number of leaflets, the presence of a terminal leaflet, and the slightly hairy underside are all characteristics that distinguish butternut walnut leaves from those of other trees.
• Pro Tip: Crush a leaflet and smell it. Butternut walnut leaves have a distinct, somewhat spicy aroma that can aid in identification. I’ve often described it as a faint citrusy scent.

4. The Fuzzy Twigs and Buds: A Subtle but Important Clue

Even the twigs and buds offer clues to the tree’s identity.

• Description: Butternut walnut twigs are stout, brown, and covered in fine, velvety hairs. The buds are also fuzzy and elongated, with a tan or light brown color. The terminal bud is relatively large compared to the lateral buds.
• Why it Works: The fuzziness of the twigs and buds is a key distinguishing feature.
• Pro Tip: Compare the twigs and buds to those of other trees in the area. Black walnut twigs, for example, are generally less hairy and have darker buds.

5. The Nuts: A Delicious Confirmation

Of course, the nuts themselves are a definitive identifier, but you need to find them first!

• Description: Butternut walnuts are oblong-shaped, about 2-3 inches long, and covered in a sticky, hairy husk. The husk is greenish-brown and darkens as the nut matures. The nut itself has a deeply ridged shell. The kernel inside is oily and sweet, but can be difficult to extract.
• Why it Works: The shape and size of the nut, along with the sticky husk, are unique to the butternut walnut.
• Pro Tip: Look for fallen nuts under the tree in the autumn. Even if the husks have decayed, the distinctive shells can still be found. Be aware that squirrels and other animals also enjoy butternut walnuts, so you may have to search diligently. It is worth noting that Butternut trees are susceptible to Butternut Canker disease. Infected trees may produce fewer nuts, or nuts that are smaller and of poor quality.

Understanding the Butternut Walnut: Beyond Identification

Identifying the butternut walnut is only the first step. To truly appreciate this tree and its potential, it’s important to understand its characteristics, habitat, and uses.

Habitat and Distribution

Butternut walnut trees are native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec and New Brunswick in Canada, south to North Carolina and west to Minnesota and Arkansas in the United States.

• Preferred Conditions: They typically grow in rich, moist, well-drained soils along streams, in open woodlands, and on hillsides. They are often found in association with other hardwoods, such as maple, oak, and ash.
• Conservation Status: Unfortunately, butternut walnut trees are facing a serious threat from a fungal disease called butternut canker (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum). This disease has decimated butternut populations throughout their range, leading to its listing as a species of concern. When harvesting, be mindful and respectful of this beautiful tree.
• Pro Tip: When scouting for butternut walnut trees, focus on areas with these preferred conditions. Look for them along stream banks, in open areas within forests, and on slopes where the soil is well-drained.

Wood Properties and Uses

The wood of the butternut walnut is prized for its unique properties.

• Color and Grain: The heartwood is a light brown color, often with a reddish or grayish tint. The sapwood is nearly white. The grain is generally straight, but can sometimes be wavy or irregular.
• Workability: Butternut walnut is known for its excellent workability. It is relatively soft and easy to cut, shape, and sand. It also takes nails and screws well.
• Strength and Durability: While not as strong or durable as black walnut, butternut walnut is still a respectable hardwood. It is suitable for a variety of applications where high strength is not a primary requirement.
• Common Uses: Butternut walnut is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, carving, and turning. Its light color and attractive grain make it a popular choice for decorative applications. Historically, it was also used for making wooden bowls and other kitchen utensils.

Butternut Canker: A Serious Threat

As mentioned earlier, butternut canker is a devastating disease that affects butternut walnut trees.

• Cause: The disease is caused by a fungus (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum) that enters the tree through wounds or natural openings in the bark.
• Symptoms: The fungus causes cankers, or sunken lesions, to form on the trunk, branches, and twigs. These cankers eventually girdle the tree, leading to its death. Other symptoms include dieback of branches, leaf spots, and premature leaf drop.
• Impact: Butternut canker has caused widespread mortality of butternut walnut trees throughout their range. In some areas, populations have declined by as much as 90%.
• Management: There is no known cure for butternut canker. Management strategies focus on preventing the spread of the disease and promoting the survival of resistant trees. These strategies include:
  • Avoiding wounding trees: Minimize damage to the bark during logging or other activities.
  • Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected trees to reduce the source of inoculum.
  • Breeding for resistance: Researchers are working to identify and propagate butternut walnut trees that are resistant to butternut canker.
• Pro Tip: If you suspect that a butternut walnut tree is infected with butternut canker, contact your local forestry agency or extension service. They can provide guidance on management options and may be interested in collecting samples for research purposes.

Harvesting and Processing Butternut Walnut

If you are fortunate enough to have access to healthy butternut walnut trees, here are some tips for harvesting and processing the wood.

Sustainable Harvesting Practices

It’s crucial to practice sustainable harvesting to ensure the long-term health of butternut walnut populations.

• Selective Harvesting: Avoid clear-cutting areas with butternut walnut trees. Instead, practice selective harvesting, removing only a few trees at a time.
• Leave Seed Trees: Retain some healthy butternut walnut trees in the area to provide seed for future generations.
• Protect Regeneration: Take care to protect young butternut walnut seedlings and saplings from damage during logging operations.
• Consult a Forester: If you are unsure about sustainable harvesting practices, consult a professional forester. They can provide guidance on how to harvest butternut walnut trees in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

Milling and Drying

Proper milling and drying are essential for producing high-quality butternut walnut lumber.

• Milling: Saw butternut walnut logs into lumber as soon as possible after harvesting. This will help prevent staining and decay. Use sharp saw blades to minimize tear-out and produce smooth surfaces.
• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common method for drying butternut walnut lumber. Stack the lumber in a well-ventilated area, using stickers to separate the boards. Allow the lumber to air dry for several months, or even a year or more, depending on the thickness of the boards and the climate.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method for drying butternut walnut lumber. It involves placing the lumber in a kiln and controlling the temperature and humidity to remove moisture from the wood. Kiln drying can reduce the drying time from months to weeks.
• Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 6-8% for interior woodworking projects. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the lumber before using it.
• Pro Tip: To minimize warping and cracking during drying, apply end sealer to the ends of the boards immediately after milling. This will help prevent moisture from escaping too quickly from the ends of the boards.

Working with Butternut Walnut

Butternut walnut is a joy to work with, but here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Sharp Tools: Use sharp tools to prevent tear-out and produce clean cuts.
• Light Cuts: Take light cuts when machining butternut walnut to avoid chipping or splintering.
• Sanding: Butternut walnut sands easily. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way to a finer grit.
• Finishing: Butternut walnut accepts a wide variety of finishes. Oil finishes, such as linseed oil or tung oil, enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Varnish and lacquer provide a more durable finish.
• Pro Tip: When gluing butternut walnut, use a high-quality wood glue and clamp the pieces tightly. Butternut walnut can be slightly oily, which can sometimes interfere with glue adhesion. Before gluing, wipe the surfaces with a solvent, such as acetone, to remove any excess oil.

Firewood from Butternut Walnut: A Practical Consideration

While butternut walnut is valued for woodworking, it can also be used as firewood, especially if the tree is already dead or dying from butternut canker.

Fuel Value

Butternut walnut is a medium-density hardwood, meaning it has a moderate fuel value.

• BTU Rating: Butternut walnut typically has a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of around 16 million BTUs per cord. This is lower than denser hardwoods like oak or maple, but higher than softwoods like pine or fir.
• Comparison: To put this in perspective, oak firewood has a BTU rating of around 24 million BTUs per cord, while pine firewood has a BTU rating of around 12 million BTUs per cord.
• Pro Tip: While butternut walnut is not the hottest-burning firewood, it is still a decent option, especially if it is readily available. It burns relatively cleanly and produces a pleasant aroma.

Seasoning

Proper seasoning is essential for maximizing the fuel value of butternut walnut firewood.

• Splitting: Split the firewood into manageable pieces to speed up the drying process.
• Stacking: Stack the firewood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location. This will allow air to circulate freely around the wood, promoting drying.
• Drying Time: Allow the firewood to season for at least 6-12 months before burning. The longer it seasons, the lower the moisture content will be, and the more efficiently it will burn.
• Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the firewood before burning it.
• Pro Tip: Cover the top of the firewood pile with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. This will help prevent the wood from reabsorbing moisture.

Burning Characteristics

Butternut walnut firewood has some unique burning characteristics.

• Easy to Ignite: It is relatively easy to ignite, making it a good choice for starting fires.
• Moderate Smoke: It produces a moderate amount of smoke, but less than softwoods like pine.
• Pleasant Aroma: It has a pleasant aroma when burned.
• Moderate Coaling: It produces a moderate amount of coals, which can help maintain a steady fire.
• Pro Tip: Because butternut walnut is relatively easy to ignite, it can be used as kindling to start fires, even if it is not fully seasoned.

Case Study: A Butternut Walnut Furniture Project

To illustrate the practical application of butternut walnut, let me share a personal experience. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to salvage a large butternut walnut tree that had been felled by a storm on a friend’s property. The tree was quite old and had some significant rot in the center of the trunk, but the outer sections were still sound.

I decided to use the butternut walnut to build a small dining table for my own home. I carefully milled the logs into lumber, taking care to avoid the areas with rot. I then air-dried the lumber for several months, followed by kiln drying to ensure it reached the desired moisture content.

The butternut walnut was a dream to work with. It planed and sanded beautifully, and the grain was stunning. I designed the table with a simple, Shaker-inspired aesthetic to showcase the natural beauty of the wood. I finished the table with a clear oil finish to enhance the color and grain.

The finished table is now a cherished piece in my home. It’s a testament to the beauty and versatility of butternut walnut, and a reminder of the importance of sustainable harvesting and responsible wood utilization. It is also a reminder of the tree itself, and how the woodworker can take a fallen tree and give it new life.

Comparing Butternut Walnut to Other Woods

Understanding how butternut walnut stacks up against other common hardwoods can help you make informed decisions about wood selection.

Butternut Walnut vs. Black Walnut

• Color: Butternut walnut is lighter in color than black walnut. Black walnut has a rich, dark brown color, while butternut walnut is a light brown with a reddish or grayish tint.
• Grain: Butternut walnut has a straighter grain than black walnut. Black walnut often has a more figured grain, with swirls and burls.
• Hardness: Butternut walnut is softer than black walnut. Black walnut is a moderately hard wood, while butternut walnut is a relatively soft wood.
• Workability: Butternut walnut is easier to work with than black walnut. It cuts, shapes, and sands more easily.
• Durability: Black walnut is more durable than butternut walnut. It is more resistant to rot and decay.
• Cost: Butternut walnut is typically less expensive than black walnut.
• Uses: Black walnut is commonly used for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and gunstocks. Butternut walnut is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, carving, and turning.

Butternut Walnut vs. Cherry

• Color: Cherry is a reddish-brown color, while butternut walnut is a light brown with a reddish or grayish tint.
• Grain: Cherry has a closed, uniform grain, while butternut walnut has a more open grain.
• Hardness: Cherry is harder than butternut walnut.
• Workability: Both cherry and butternut walnut are relatively easy to work with.
• Durability: Cherry is more durable than butternut walnut.
• Cost: Cherry is typically more expensive than butternut walnut.
• Uses: Cherry is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Butternut walnut is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, carving, and turning.

Butternut Walnut vs. Maple

• Color: Maple is a light-colored wood, ranging from nearly white to creamy white. Butternut walnut is a light brown with a reddish or grayish tint.
• Grain: Maple has a closed, uniform grain, while butternut walnut has a more open grain.
• Hardness: Maple is harder than butternut walnut.
• Workability: Maple can be more difficult to work with than butternut walnut, especially hard maple.
• Durability: Maple is more durable than butternut walnut.
• Cost: Maple is typically less expensive than butternut walnut.
• Uses: Maple is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and musical instruments. Butternut walnut is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, carving, and turning.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Butternut Walnut

The butternut walnut is a unique and valuable tree that offers a range of benefits to woodworkers and homeowners alike. From its distinctive bark to its workable wood, and even its potential as firewood, the butternut walnut deserves our attention and respect.

By learning how to identify butternut walnut trees, you can unlock a world of possibilities for woodworking projects and firewood production. And by practicing sustainable harvesting and responsible wood utilization, you can help ensure that this valuable resource is available for future generations. Remember to be mindful of the butternut canker disease and work towards promoting the health and survival of this species.

So, the next time you’re out in the woods, take a closer look at the trees around you. You might just discover a butternut walnut, waiting to be appreciated for its unique beauty and versatility. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find inspiration for your next woodworking project!

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