Dying Butternuts
(Juglans cinerea)
Near Woodstock, Vermont

In the early 1980's it was first noticed that the butternut trees were not as healthy as they had been historically. Only a few years later butternut canker (Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum) fungus was found to be attacking the trees.

The crown of the butternut shown above is healthier than most, but dying branches can be clearly seen.

photo by Gerry Hawkes - October 3, 2001

Many butternuts, which had richly colored dark brown wood and delicious nuts, are now dead and fallen. Trees of all ages are dying and it is feared that the species may completely die out.

photo by Gerry Hawkes - October 3, 2001

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Contact Gerry Hawkes: ghawkes@eco-systems.org