Butternut

Long associated with deities for their nourishing importance, walnut trees have had a place of choice among humans since Antiquity. The Latin name for the genus to which the walnut belongs is Juglans, which literally means “Jupiter nut.” Walnut nuts were therefore considered nuts of the gods. With their dietary characteristics, several peoples attributed to them a divinatory capacity and a source of intelligence. This is not surprising since walnut nuts are among the most nutritious nuts in our region. The walnut spirit reminds us that during times of adversity, we need to rely on our inner ability to discern which strengths will help us and which will not.

Butternut is a medium-sized tree that reaches about 20 meters, but can reach 30 meters in the best conditions. Most wild butternut populations are found in the Northeastern and Central United States. In Canada, its populations are restricted to southern Quebec and Ontario and in some places in New Brunswick, where the climate is mild and the growing seasons longer. Butternut has a remarkable, almost tropical appearance, with its agglomerations of leaves at the end of the branches. It was used by the First Nations as a food source, but also as medicine thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

This tree represents wealth and energy.