Buart (Juglans ×bixbyi): The Hybrid Walnut Worth Knowing
Meet the buart – a fascinating hybrid walnut that’s caught the attention of nut enthusiasts and shade-seekers alike. Also known as the buartnut, this interesting tree represents a cross between two walnut species, creating something entirely unique in the world of edible landscaping.
What Exactly Is a Buart?
The buart (Juglans ×bixbyi) is a hybrid between the native North American butternut (Juglans cinerea) and the Asian Japanese walnut (Juglans ailantifolia). This cross creates a tree that combines traits from both parents, potentially offering some advantages over either parent species alone.
As a perennial woody plant, the buart grows into a substantial tree with a single trunk, typically reaching heights greater than 13-16 feet at maturity. Like other members of the walnut family, it’s deciduous and produces compound leaves that create excellent shade coverage.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, buart trees can be found growing in Massachusetts and Texas, though as a non-native hybrid that reproduces spontaneously in the wild, it may appear in other locations over time. The tree has adapted to persist in various climates across the lower 48 states.
Why Consider Growing a Buart?
There are several compelling reasons why gardeners might want to add a buart to their landscape:
- Dual purpose: Provides both shade and edible nuts
- Hybrid vigor: May be more disease-resistant than pure butternut trees
- Unique conversation piece: Not commonly seen in home landscapes
- Large shade canopy: Excellent for cooling large properties
Growing Conditions and Care
Buart trees are relatively adaptable but perform best under specific conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure for optimal growth and nut production
- Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates various soil types
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 4-8
- Space requirements: Needs plenty of room to spread – not suitable for small yards
Planting and Care Tips
Successfully growing a buart requires some patience and proper planning:
- Choose a location with at least 30 feet of clearance in all directions
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Water regularly during the first few years while the tree establishes
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Be patient – nut production typically doesn’t begin until the tree is 10-15 years old
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
Like other walnut species, buarts are wind-pollinated rather than relying on insects for pollination, so they don’t provide significant direct benefits to pollinators. However, mature trees can provide nesting sites and shelter for various wildlife species.
Should You Plant a Buart?
The decision to plant a buart depends largely on your goals and space. If you have a large property and are interested in nut production or want a substantial shade tree, a buart could be an interesting addition to your landscape. However, since it’s a non-native hybrid, you might also consider native alternatives.
Native alternatives to consider:
- Black walnut (Juglans nigra) – native nut-producing tree
- Native oak species for shade and wildlife benefits
- American chestnut (where adapted) for nuts and shade
The Bottom Line
The buart is an intriguing hybrid that offers the dual benefits of shade and nut production. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered invasive either, making it a neutral choice for those specifically interested in hybrid walnuts. Just remember that this is a tree for patient gardeners with plenty of space – both for the tree’s eventual size and the time it takes to start producing nuts.
Whether you choose to plant a buart or explore native alternatives, adding a nut-producing shade tree to your landscape can provide years of enjoyment and harvests for generations to come.
