Can You Plant Violets Around Black Walnut Trees?

Black walnut trees are well-known for the toxins they release into the soil to inhibit the growth of other plants. This makes it difficult to choose what to plant around these trees, leading many gardeners to shy away from planting anything at all. However, there are some plants that are more tolerant of the toxicity and can still thrive. In this article, we will explore whether violets are one of those plants.

The Toxicity of Black Walnut Trees

Black walnut trees release a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plant species. Roughly speaking, the toxic zone extends outwards from the trunk to about the edge of the tree's drip line. Within this zone, plants that are sensitive to juglone will struggle, wilt, and ultimately die. This leads to a barren landscape around black walnut trees, with only the toughest of plants able to survive.

The Tolerance of Violets

Violets are generally considered to be tolerant of juglone. While they may not thrive in areas directly under black walnut trees, they are more likely to survive than other plants. Some gardeners have even reported that violets actually seem to grow better around black walnut trees. This may be due to the fact that violets have shallow roots, so they are less affected by the toxicity in the deeper soil.

How to Plant Violets Around Black Walnut Trees

If you decide to plant violets around your black walnut trees, there are a few things you can do to increase their chances of survival:

Test the soil to ensure it has the proper pH and nutrient balance for violets.

Choose a location that receives partial to full shade, as violets prefer cooler temperatures and protection from harsh sunlight.

Prepare the planting area by removing any existing plants and debris, as well as adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.

When planting, create a raised bed or mound to improve drainage and prevent water from accumulating around the roots.

Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as violets are susceptible to rot.

Other Plants that Can Tolerate Juglone

If you would like to incorporate more plants into your black walnut tree landscape, there are a few other species that can tolerate juglone:

Hostas

Ferns

Daylilies

Astilbes

Coralbells

Keep in mind that even plants that are tolerant of juglone may still struggle if planted too close to the tree. Always research the needs and tolerances of any plant before adding it to your garden.

In Summary

While black walnut trees do release a toxin that makes it difficult to plant around them, there are some plants that can tolerate the toxicity and still thrive. Violets are generally considered to be one of those plants, and if you follow the proper planting procedures, they can add a pop of color and beauty to your black walnut tree landscape. Always research the needs of any plant before adding it to your garden, and remember to test the soil, choose a proper location, and provide proper care and maintenance for your plants.