Health Status of Butternut (Juglans cinerea) in Maryland

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is an eastern North American hardwood valued for its large, edible nut mast and dyes derived from the bark, roots, and seed husks. The Cherokee rely on these nuts as a source of food and dye for woven baskets. Once widespread, butternut populations are in decline due to an exotic fungus (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum) that promotes lethal canker growth. In this study I evaluated 80 trees in Western Maryland and related crown health conditions to the severity of the canker disease and varying environmental conditions. Cankers were present on 94% of butternuts surveyed and density of cankers were related to crown dieback (p < 0.05). The results of this project will help forest managers to identify healthy individuals, to find suitable habitat for future regeneration, and to sustain further cultural use.