Pyrularia puber
Pyrularia puber
Buffalo Nut
★
Taxonomy
Family Santalaceae · Genus Pyrularia
Common Names
Buffalo NutOil Nut
Context
nativeRegion
Eastern North America, primarily Appalachian region.
usdaZones
5–8
companionPlants
Beech (Fagus spp.), Oak (Quercus spp.), Maple (Acer spp.), Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
culturalUses
No significant ornamental use; used in ethnobotany among Native American groups for medicinal purposes.
Care
Care Requirements
LightPrefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight may be tolerated but generally grows best under light canopy.
WateringRequires moderate moisture; do not allow soils to dry out completely, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
SoilThrives in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils; often found in forest understories with rich organic content.
FertilizerSeldom needs fertilization in native soils; if growing outside native range, light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring may help.
HumidityPrefers environments with moderate to high humidity, typical of woodland habitats.
TemperatureHardy to cool temperate climates; generally tolerates winter lows corresponding to USDA zones 5–8.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous shrub or small tree; semi-parasitic on roots of other plants.
Mature SizeUsually grows 1–4 meters (3–13 feet) tall.
Growth RateSlow-growing.
BloomingSmall, greenish flowers in late spring to early summer.
DormancyDeciduous; loses leaves in winter.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds, Softwood cuttings
DifficultyModerate to difficult due to parasitic nature and germination requirements.
Best SeasonSeeds sown in autumn; cuttings in spring or early summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal pruning needed except to maintain shape or remove deadwood.
RepottingRarely grown as a container plant; repot seedlings after first season if necessary.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-free but may be affected by root rots in poorly drained soils.
ToxicityFruit is reportedly toxic if ingested.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.