33 of the Best Plants to Grow Under Black Walnut Trees

33 of the Best Plants to Grow Under Black Walnut Trees

Juglans nigra, or black walnuts, are large deciduous trees that grow to a majestic 75 to 100 feet tall. Birds and squirrels find sanctuary in their canopies, and humans enjoy the shade below.

Although they produce edible nuts, these trees are best known for their rich and durable wood, used to make a variety of products like furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and gunstocks. Black walnuts are both attractive and valuable. But these benefits can come with a price.

Planting and maintaining ornamental landscapes and edible gardens under and around these trees often causes confusion and frustration for gardeners, and leaves some of us scratching our heads.

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Some plants grow well, with absolutely no issues, while others underperform, struggle, and even die. The decline can appear randomly, targeting certain plants. It can occur slowly and gradually, quietly sucking out life, or it can swiftly overtake otherwise healthy plants before you have time to react.

In an effort to uncover the origin of the issue, gardeners may find themselves on a scavenger hunt, moving through a series of troubleshooting steps.

After checking for disease and insects, examining roots, measuring moisture, and even sampling soil, eventually they look up. And there it is. Their eyes land on the black walnut tree.

What is it about this tree that causes a decline in the health of some plants? It’s an expert in chemical warfare.

Black walnut trees and their relatives produce an allelopathic chemical known as juglone.

In an effort to protect themselves and capitalize on available surrounding