What Plants Grow Under Walnut Trees

Walnut trees are popular trees that produce delicious nuts for eating and cooking. However, one of the challenges of growing walnut trees is finding plants that can grow under them. This is due to black walnut trees producing a chemical known as juglone that is toxic to many plants. In this article, we’ll explore what plants can grow under walnut trees.

Plants That Grow Under Walnut Trees

Despite the juglone toxicity issue, some plants can grow under walnut trees. These plants have adapted to the walnut tree’s allelopathic chemicals and are not affected by them. So, here are some of the plants that can grow under walnut trees:

Native Plants

Many native plants have developed natural resistance to juglone, which makes them perfect for growing under walnut trees. Some of the popular native plants include the wild ginger, ferns, asters, columbines, and bleeding heart plants. These plants provide a colorful and beautiful display in your garden while also providing food and shelter for native wildlife.

Fruit and Nut Trees

The root systems of walnut trees grow deep into the soil, making them perfect for companion planting with other fruit and nut trees. These include peach trees, apple trees, cherry trees, pear trees, and hazelnut trees. Their deep-rooted systems make it possible for the trees to avoid Juglone toxicity while also producing fruits and nuts that can provide food for both animals and humans.

Herbs

There are various herbs that can grow under walnut trees. These include medicinal herbs like chamomile, echinacea, and St. John's Wort, which can help alleviate various health issues. Other herbs include parsley, chives, mint, and thyme. Most herbs that can grow under walnut trees are culinary herbs that add flavor and fragrance to your cooking.

Groundcover Plants

If you find it challenging to grow plants under your walnut tree, you might want to consider planting groundcover plants. Groundcover plants like periwinkle, hostas, and violets are perfect for covering the soil under walnut trees while providing a beautiful display in your garden. These plants have shallow roots that make them less susceptible to juglone toxicity.

Conclusion

Growing plants under walnut trees can be challenging due to the allelopathic chemicals produced by the trees. However, by choosing the right plants, you can create an attractive and functional garden under your walnut tree. The plants listed above are just a few options, and there are many more you can try. So, be sure to research and choose the best plants for your garden.