Finding plants that thrive under black walnut trees can feel like solving a garden mystery. These trees release juglone, a chemical that stifles many plants, leaving bare, stubborn patches. However, some resilient species have adapted to flourish in this challenging environment, bringing life where others struggle. From hardy ground covers to stunning blooms, these plants turn obstacles into opportunities. With the right selections, even the toughest garden spots can become lush and vibrant.
1. Wild Ginger (Asarum Canadense)
In the shadow of towering trees, a ground cover emerges with heart-shaped leaves. Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) thrives in shaded woodlands, making it an ideal companion for black walnut trees.
Its growth habits are low and sprawling, providing excellent cover for the forest floor. Wild ginger prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate the juglone released by black walnut trees.
The roots have a subtle ginger aroma, adding a unique touch to your garden. Furthermore, this plant supports wildlife by providing habitat for ground-dwelling insects.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda Didyma)
Red blooms burst forth like a fireworks display beneath the canopy. Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is famed for its vibrant flowers, ranging from red to pink and purple.
These blossoms are pollinator magnets, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. When grown under black walnut trees, bee balm appreciates well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
It’s a plant that doesn’t mind a little shade and stands strong against the juglone toxin. With the ability to spread, bee balm can fill empty spaces with ease, adding color and life to your garden’s shaded sections.
3. Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)
A delicate dance of spurred petals graces the garden. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) features unique flowers that hang like pendants, adding elegance to any shaded spot.
It’s well-suited to the dappled light under black walnut trees, where it thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Columbine’s adaptability to various conditions makes it resilient, despite the challenges posed by juglone.
Columbine blooms in early spring, offering a splash of color after the winter months. Its ability to self-seed ensures that once established, columbine will continue to grace the garden for years to come.
4. Wild Geranium (Geranium Maculatum)
Amidst the fallen leaves, delicate blooms emerge with grace. Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a perennial that boasts soft pink flowers, bringing seasonal beauty to shaded gardens.
This beauty is tolerant of juglone, making it suitable for planting under black walnut trees. This plant prefers partial to full shade and thrives in well-drained, moist soil.
Wild geranium’s ability to naturalize and spread makes it a lovely addition to woodland gardens. Its long-lasting blooms attract pollinators while its foliage provides groundcover, offering both aesthetic and ecological benefits.
5. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum Spp.)
Graceful arches rise from the earth, adorned with bell-shaped flowers. Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) captivates with its elegant form and dangling blossoms.
It’s no stranger to the shade cast by black walnut trees, thriving in cool, moist, and well-drained soils. This plant is a standout in woodland gardens, where its arching stems create a sense of movement.
Solomon’s seal pairs well with other shade-loving plants, adding texture and interest. Its rhizomes spread slowly, ensuring a gradual yet steady presence in the garden, making it a long-term favorite.
6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)
Cheerful yellow faces dot the landscape with sunny dispositions. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is known for its bright, daisy-like flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
Rudbeckia is incredibly resilient, enduring drought and thriving in the presence of juglone from black walnut trees. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in well-drained soil.
It’s ability to withstand less-than-ideal conditions makes it a versatile addition to gardens. Its long-lasting blooms provide continuous color, and its seeds offer food for birds in the colder months.
7. Hosta (Hosta Spp.)
A tapestry of foliage unfurls beneath the canopy. Hostas (Hosta spp.) are celebrated for their diverse leaf shapes and colors, bringing elegance to shaded gardens.
They are well-adapted to grow under black walnut trees, tolerating the juglone toxin. Hostas prefer rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, thriving in partial to full shade.
These leafy buddies require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty. With their lush leaves, hostas fill bare spots with texture and color, creating a verdant backdrop for other garden features.
8. Serviceberry (Amelanchier Spp.)
White blossoms herald the arrival of spring, followed by a bounty of berries. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) is a multi-season star, offering beauty from spring to fall.
It thrives near black walnut trees, tolerating the juglone they release. Serviceberry prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. Its edible berries attract birds and wildlife, while its foliage provides autumn color.
Serviceberry is a versatile shrub or small tree, adding height and interest to gardens. Serviceberry’s adaptability makes it a valuable asset to any landscape.
9. Spicebush (Lindera Benzoin)
A fragrant breeze carries the hint of spice through the air. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is known for its aromatic foliage and clusters of yellow spring flowers.
It’s a hardy shrub that thrives in the shade of black walnut trees, immune to the effects of juglone. Spicebush prefers moist, well-drained soils and can grow in full to partial shade.
The flowers of this bush attract pollinators, while its berries provide food for birds. As a native shrub, spicebush supports local ecosystems, making it a valuable addition to naturalistic gardens.
10. Viburnum (Viburnum Spp.)
Clusters of snowy blossoms stand out against lush greenery. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.) offers a variety of species, each with unique attributes, but all share a robust nature.
This shrub grows well under black walnut trees, tolerating the juglone they produce. Viburnums prefer well-drained soil and can adapt to a range of light conditions, from full sun to shade.
They provide multi-season interest with their flowers, fruits, and colorful fall foliage. Viburnums are versatile shrubs that enhance garden beauty while supporting wildlife, making them a gardener’s favorite.
11. Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis)
Floral clusters give way to dark, luscious berries in a cycle of abundance. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a thriving shrub in the presence of black walnut trees, resistant to juglone.
The berry-producing shrub such as this prefers moist, fertile soil and can adapt to full sun or partial shade. Elderberry is renowned for its fruit, which attracts a variety of birds and can be used in culinary creations.
Its fast growth and spreading habit make it ideal for filling large spaces. Elderberry not only enhances the garden’s ecosystem but also offers practical benefits with its edible berries.
12. Christmas Fern (Polystichum Acrostichoides)
Evergreen fronds unfurl to grace the forest floor year-round. Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a reliable choice for shaded gardens, withstanding the juglone produced by black walnut trees.
It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a range of light conditions, from full to partial shade. This low-maintenance fern requires little attention once established, making it a favorite among gardeners.
What gardeners love about this plant is that its year-round greenery provides texture and interest in the landscape, while its dense growth suppresses weeds, ensuring a tidy garden appearance.
13. Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina)
Lacy fronds sway gently in the shaded breeze. Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is distinguished by its delicate foliage, adding a soft texture to garden spaces.
We love it because it’s well-suited for growing under black walnut trees, as it tolerates juglone. Lady fern thrives in moist, well-drained, and partially to fully shaded spots, making it ideal for dark garden corners.
With its elegant appearance and ease of care, this fern complements other woodland plants, creating a lush, layered garden aesthetic. Lady fern’s resilience makes it a gardener’s ally.
14. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis)
Broad fronds bask in the gentle shade, unfazed by their surroundings. Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is aptly named for its seasonal changes, displaying bright green fronds in spring and summer. This fern flourishes in damp areas under black walnut trees, immune to the effects of juglone.
It prefers moist, acidic soils and can tolerate full to partial shade. Its robust nature allows it to spread, covering bare spots with ease.
Sensitive fern’s adaptability and lush growth make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to fill shaded, damp areas.
15. Pachysandra (Pachysandra Terminalis)
Glossy leaves form a dense carpet of green beneath towering trees. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is an evergreen ground cover, perfect for filling those bare spots under black walnut trees.
This plant tolerates juglone and thrives in shaded, well-drained areas. Pachysandra spreads quickly, providing a lush, low-maintenance ground cover that suppresses weeds.
The subtle flowers add a touch of interest in the spring, while its foliage remains attractive year-round. This plant is ideal for gardeners seeking a dependable, attractive solution for shaded garden areas.
16. Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)
A fragrant cloud of starry blooms graces the shaded earth. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is known for its delicate, white flowers and whorled leaves, thriving in the dappled shade of black walnut trees.
Hard to believe, but this plant is not bothered by juglone, making it a suitable ground cover for these challenging conditions.
Sweet woodruff prefers moist, well-drained soil and spreads quickly, covering bare spots with ease. Its fragrant foliage adds a sensory element to gardens, while its low-growing habit requires minimal maintenance.
17. Carrots (Daucus Carota)
Feathery leaves hint at the crunchy treasure beneath the soil. Carrots (Daucus carota) can defy expectations by growing successfully near black walnut trees.
While these trees produce juglone, carrots show resilience with proper soil preparation. Raised beds and well-drained, fertile soil are key to their success. Companion planting with juglone-resistant species can enhance growth and deter pests.
Regular watering and full sun help carrots reach their sweet potential. Despite the challenges, with a bit of planning, carrots can thrive, offering a rewarding harvest for the dedicated gardener.
18. Parsnips (Pastinaca Sativa)
Lush foliage conceals the earthy roots growing below. Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are a hardy root vegetable capable of thriving in proximity to black walnut trees.
They tolerate juglone and prefer deep, well-prepared soil enriched with organic matter. Full sun encourages robust growth, while consistent moisture ensures optimal development.
Parsnips require patience, as they have a long growing season, but the reward is in their sweet flavor after frost. Their ability to grow in challenging conditions makes them a valuable addition to gardens, providing both culinary delight and garden resilience.
19. Beans (Phaseolus Spp.)
Green pods dangle like nature’s ornaments in the sun. Beans (Phaseolus spp.) are tenacious climbers that can flourish near black walnut trees. They tolerate juglone and benefit from enriched soil and ample sunshine.
Support structures like trellises enable vertical growth, maximizing space and airflow. Regular watering and companion planting with juglone-resistant vegetables enhance their productivity.
Beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial to garden ecosystems. Their rapid growth and abundant yield offer gardeners a bountiful harvest, proving that even under adversity, beans can thrive.
20. Squash (Cucurbita Spp.)
Large leaves and bright blooms sprawl across the garden’s expanse. Squash (Cucurbita spp.) is a resilient choice for areas affected by juglone, like those near black walnut trees. These plants need ample space to spread and prefer well-drained, fertile soil.
Full sun and regular watering are essential for robust growth. Companion planting with other juglone-tolerant species can optimize growing conditions.
Despite their sprawling nature, squash plants provide a generous harvest, offering both summer and winter varieties. Their adaptability and productivity make them a valuable addition to any vegetable garden.
21. Onions (Allium Spp.)
Green tops rise above the soil, hinting at the flavorful layers beneath. Onions (Allium spp.) are known for their juglone tolerance, making them suitable companions for black walnut trees. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and require full sun for optimal growth.
Regular watering helps develop robust bulbs, while careful spacing ensures healthy plants. Onions can deter pests from surrounding plants, offering a natural protective benefit.
22. Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Tall shoots reach for the sky, promising a pungent harvest below. Garlic (Allium sativum) is an excellent addition to gardens near black walnut trees, as it withstands juglone toxicity. This hardy plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and requires full sun to develop its flavorful cloves.
Proper spacing and regular watering are key to a successful yield. Garlic acts as a natural pest deterrent, benefiting companion plants and enhancing garden health.