Can You Plant Milkweed Around Black Walnut Trees

Milkweed is a vital plant for monarch butterflies as it is the only plant on which monarch caterpillars can feed. Black walnut trees are also a common sight in North America. So, can you plant milkweed around black walnut trees?

The Effect of Black Walnuts on Plants

Black walnuts release a chemical called juglone from its roots, leaves, and nuts. Juglone is toxic to many plants, and it can stay in the soil for several years. Plants that are sensitive to juglone may show signs of wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Therefore, planting some plants near black walnut trees is not advisable.

How Milkweed Reacts to Juglone

Milkweed is not negatively affected by juglone. In fact, it is one of the few plants that can grow near black walnut trees. It can also tolerate dryer soil conditions, which are ideal for planting around black walnut trees since they tend to absorb a lot of water, making the soil around them drier.

The Benefits of Planting Milkweed Around Black Walnut Trees

Planting milkweed near black walnut trees can benefit monarch butterflies. As mentioned earlier, milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars can eat. Having a food source nearby can increase the chances of monarch butterflies laying their eggs in your garden or backyard. Additionally, milkweed flowers also provide nectar for adult monarch butterflies and other pollinators, making your garden a vibrant habitat for wildlife.

How to Plant Milkweed Near Black Walnut Trees

Before planting milkweed around black walnut trees, make sure the black walnut tree you have does not release too much juglone or you can choose to plant it far away from the tree. Also, consider the soil conditions. The soil around black walnut trees tends to be drier than the soil around other trees. Therefore, it is best to choose milkweed species that can thrive in dry soil conditions. Some examples of milkweed species that can grow near black walnut trees include the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Conclusion

Black walnut trees can be a challenge for many plants, but milkweed is one of the few plants that can tolerate the chemical juglone they produce. Planting milkweed near black walnut trees can provide monarch butterflies with food and increase biodiversity in your garden. By following the right steps, you can successfully plant milkweed near black walnut trees and create an environment that promotes the survival of the monarch butterfly.