What Can I Plant Under a Black Walnut Tree?

If you have a black walnut tree in your yard, you may have discovered that it can be a challenge to grow plants underneath it. Black walnut trees release a chemical called juglone that can inhibit the growth of other plants. However, there are some plants that are known to be tolerant of juglone and can thrive under a black walnut tree.

Perennials

There are several perennials that have been found to grow well under black walnut trees. These include:

Astilbe

Bleeding heart

Ferns

Lamium

Hostas

Sedum

Wild ginger

These plants have been found to be tolerant of juglone and can make a great addition to a black walnut tree landscape.

Annuals

While many annuals may not be tolerant of juglone, there are some that have been found to do well under black walnut trees. These include:

Impatiens

Nasturtiums

Sunflowers

Zinnias

These plants can add a pop of color to your black walnut tree garden and can be replanted every year. Just be sure to avoid planting any sensitive annuals, such as petunias or pansies, as they may not fare well under the tree's influence.

Shrubs

There are several shrubs that can also thrive under a black walnut tree. These include:

Japanese yew

Lilacs

Spirea

These shrubs have been known to tolerate juglone and can provide a beautiful backdrop to your black walnut tree garden.

Trees

Believe it or not, there are even some trees that can tolerate juglone and thrive under a black walnut tree. These include:

Eastern red cedar

White pine

Red maple

These trees can add another layer to your black walnut tree landscape and can provide shade and beauty to your yard.

In Conclusion

While black walnut trees can be challenging to grow plants under, there are several options that have been found to tolerate the tree's juglone chemical. Whether you choose perennials, annuals, shrubs, or trees, there are plenty of options to create a beautiful and thriving garden under your black walnut tree.