Butternut, or White Walnut is a spreading tree, smaller than Black Walnut, with light gray bark that breaks into elongated flat ridges. It is a tree of stream banks, roadsides, and open woods, preferring rich, well-drained soil. The leaf, similar to that of Black Walnut, has fewer and slightly broader, more hairy leaflets.

The edible nut, in a greenish, gummy husk, is long and pointed.