Butternut was once a more common tree, but due to a non-native fungal disease which first appeared in Québec trees in 1990, it is now rare and in decline, and is on the endangered species list in Canada. Although it is rare, it can still be found in places in the Montréal area, such as at the Morgan Arboretum. It has large fuzzy and sticky husks on its nuts, which are good to eat and had been an important food of different indigenous groups in eastern North America.