ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Butternut, White Walnut and Oil Nut. Butternut grown primarily for its nuts, used fresh, roasted, or salted, in confectioneries, pastries, and for flavoring. Sugar may be made from the sap. Green husks of fruit are used to dye cloth, giving it a yellow-to-orange color. According to Hartwell, pills made from the bark and poultices made from the shucks are said to be folk remedies for cancer. Trees in the forest and along road-sides develop from natural dispersal of nuts. When cultivated, nuts or small trees can be planted. To assure viability, seeds should not be more than a few years old. Plant where tree is to grow, in spring or fall, burying about 2.5 cm in the ground. Nuts may be stored in freezer a few days before planting to insure sprouting.
