Gardening Beneath a Black Walnut
Will butterfly bush, lilac, dogwood, or other flowering trees and shrubs grow under a black walnut tree. The tree branches are within 12 feet of the proposed planting bed.
As you know, black walnut roots, leaves and bark contain juglone. This substance is toxic to many plants. There is limited research on plants that tolerate the juglone substance. The best approach is to keep the garden at least 50 preferably 80 feet away from the tree. The following list of flowering trees and shrubs have been observed growing under black walnut trees. Redbud (select the Columbus or Minnesota strain for increased hardiness), Koreanspice viburnum, other species of viburnum, weeping forsythia and Rose of Sharon. Some varieties of the following perennials will also survive under a black walnut. Bugleweed, astilbe, Dutchman's breeches, cranesbill geranium, hosta, daylilies, Siberian iris, sundrops (Oenethera), lungwort, trillium, lamb's ear and tulips. For a more complete listing see Purdue University's Black Walnut Toxicity bulletin.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Sept. 12, 2024
WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 21, 2024
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Enter to Win 280
Fall-Planted Daffodil, Tulip and Muscari Bulbs
from Longfield Gardens
