When measured in 2008, this tree had a trunk circumference of 176 inches which, together with its height and spread (see pabigtrees.com), makes it the largest Butternut in Lancaster County and the fourth largest in Pennsylvania. A fungus (bark canker) has been attacking Butternuts in North America, and arborists expect that the species will eventually be endangered (it is already so listed in Canada). [First photo is from pabigtrees.com.]
In addition to its delicious nuts, this amazing species has such medicinal bark and sap that Native Americans used Butternut to treat toothaches, arthritic joints, wounds and constipation; to aid pregnancy; and even to condition hair. Indians also used the nut oil to ward off mosquitos and to treat tapeworms.
