Life History and Disturbance Response of Juglans cinerea (Butternut )
Family: Juglandaceae
Guild: opportunistic, short lived intolerant
Functional Lifeform: small to medium sized deciduous tree
Ecological Role: Found most often on well-drained soils of hillsides and streambanks where it grows rapidly. It produces chemicals that have a growth inhibiting effect on nearby plants. Forest stands usually only contain the occasional butternut. The nut produces is a food source for both man and animals
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 60/75
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: 12-18, max of 30m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 20/30/60
Mast Frequency, yrs: 2-3yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: 1yr+
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/gravity and animals
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot
Sprouting: sprouts from stumps and saplings
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: open areas only
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Butternut is very susceptible to fire damage.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: