What Can I Plant Near Black Walnut Trees?

Black walnut trees are known for their beautiful wood, tasty nuts, and impressive size. However, if you have one in your yard, you may have noticed that it's difficult to get anything else to grow around it. This is because black walnut trees release a chemical called juglone that can be toxic to certain plants. But don't worry, there are still plenty of plants that can thrive near a black walnut tree.

Plants That Can Tolerate Juglone

If you want to plant something directly underneath a black walnut tree, you'll need to select plants that can tolerate juglone. Luckily, there are several trees, shrubs, and perennials that fit the bill:

Eastern Redbud: This small tree is a standout with its pink or purple flowers in the spring and heart-shaped leaves. It's also one of the few trees that can grow directly under a black walnut tree.

Serviceberry: Another small tree that can tolerate juglone, the serviceberry blooms with white flowers in the spring and produces edible berries in the summer.

Sumac: Sumac is a shrub or small tree with showy red berries and brilliant fall color. It's also tolerant of juglone.

Ferns: If you're looking for a groundcover, ferns are a good choice. They range in size from the small, delicate maidenhair fern to the larger, sturdy ostrich fern.

Plants That Can Grow Near Black Walnuts

Even if you don't want to plant directly under a black walnut tree, there are still plenty of plants that can grow in its vicinity. Here are some perennials, annuals, and vegetables that can thrive near a black walnut tree:

Hostas: Hostas come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures, and are a popular choice for shade gardens.

Astilbe: Astilbe is another shade-loving perennial with feathery blooms in pink, red, and white.

Impatiens: These colorful annuals are easy to grow from seed or transplants and can add a bright pop of color to a shady spot.

Lettuce: If you want to grow vegetables near a black walnut tree, lettuce is a good choice. It's a cool-season crop that can tolerate some shade.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Black Walnuts

While there are plenty of plants that can grow near a black walnut tree, there are some that should be avoided. These include:

Tomatoes: The leaves and roots of tomato plants are sensitive to juglone and can wilt and die if planted too close to a black walnut tree.

Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers are sensitive to juglone and should be planted elsewhere.

Potatoes: Potatoes are also sensitive to juglone and should be kept away from black walnut trees.

Blueberries: Blueberry bushes are highly sensitive to juglone, and planting them near a black walnut tree can result in stunted growth and poor fruit production.

In conclusion, planting near a black walnut tree requires a bit of knowledge about what plants can and cannot tolerate juglone. With this information, you can create a beautiful and diverse garden that complements the natural beauty of the black walnut tree.