Juglone-Tolerant Native Plants for Growing Near Black Walnut
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) produces a naturally occurring compound called juglone, found in its roots, leaves, bark and nuts. Some plants are more sensitive than others, and finding plants that grow well near a mature Black Walnut can take some experimentation.
The plants below are commonly recommended as candidates for planting near Black Walnut. Keep in mind that shade, dry soil and competition from established tree roots can be just as important as juglone when choosing plants for a particular spot.
Wildflowers (25 entries)
| Plant | Characteristics and growing notes |
|---|---|
| BloodrootSanguinaria canadensis | Early spring white flowers and distinctive leaves; grows in shade. |
| Blue CohoshCaulophyllum thalictroides | Yellow-green flowers followed by blue berries; grows in shade. |
| Canada AnemoneAnemone canadensis | White flowers in late spring; spreads readily; sun to shade. |
| Common Evening PrimroseOenothera biennis | Yellow evening-opening flowers that attract pollinators. |
| FoamflowerTiarella cordifolia | Foamy white spring flowers and attractive foliage; shade. |
| Garden PhloxPhlox paniculata | Fragrant, colourful flowers in mid to late summer. |
| Golden RagwortPackera aurea | Yellow early spring flowers; shade to part shade. |
| Great Blue LobeliaLobelia siphilitica | Blue flowers attractive to pollinators; best in part shade. |
| HeleniumHelenium spp. | Bright daisy-like flowers; sun to part shade. |
| Jack-in-the-PulpitArisaema triphyllum | Distinctive hooded flowers and red berries; shade. |
| MayapplePodophyllum peltatum | Umbrella-like leaves and white spring flowers; shade. |
| MistflowerConoclinium coelestinum | Fluffy blue-violet late-summer flowers; moist soils, sun to part shade. |
| Obedient PlantPhysostegia virginiana | Pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers in late summer and early fall. |
| Spring BeautyClaytonia virginica | Delicate pink or white early spring flowers; shade. |
| Solomon's SealPolygonatum biflorum | Arching stems and hanging bell-shaped flowers; shade. |
| Tall ThimbleweedAnemone virginiana | Summer flowers followed by distinctive thimble-like seed heads. |
| TrilliumTrillium spp. | Familiar three-petalled woodland flowers; shade. |
| Virginia BluebellsMertensia virginica | Blue spring flowers; a spring ephemeral that dies back in summer. |
| Virginia WaterleafHydrophyllum virginianum | White to lavender flowers and patterned foliage; shade. |
| Wild BergamotMonarda fistulosa | Lavender flowers that attract bees and butterflies; sun to part shade. |
| Wild Blue PhloxPhlox divaricata | Fragrant blue spring flowers; shade to part shade. |
| Wild ColumbineAquilegia canadensis | Red and yellow flowers attractive to hummingbirds; sun to shade. |
| Wild GeraniumGeranium maculatum | Pink to purple spring flowers; shade to part shade. |
| Wild GingerAsarum canadense | Heart-shaped leaves and small hidden flowers; shade. |
| Woodland SunflowerHelianthus divaricatus | Yellow flowers in late summer; shade to part shade. |
Shrubs (9 entries)
| Plant | Characteristics and growing notes |
|---|---|
| Black ElderberrySambucus canadensis | White flower clusters followed by dark berries. |
| Black RaspberryRubus occidentalis | White flowers followed by edible black raspberries. |
| ButtonbushCephalanthus occidentalis | Round flower clusters attract pollinators; requires moist to wet soils. |
| NinebarkPhysocarpus opulifolius | Large shrub with white to pinkish flower clusters. |
| Red Osier DogwoodCornus sericea | White flowers and bright red stems for winter interest. |
| ServiceberriesAmelanchier spp. | White spring flowers followed by edible berries. |
| Shrubby St. John's WortHypericum prolificum | Bright yellow flowers in summer. |
| SpicebushLindera benzoin | Early yellow flowers and aromatic foliage. |
| Witch HazelHamamelis virginiana | Unusual yellow flowers in late fall. |
Trees (15 entries)
| Plant | Characteristics and growing notes |
|---|---|
| American BeechFagus grandifolia | Large tree with smooth grey bark and dark green leaves. |
| American SycamorePlatanus occidentalis | Large tree with mottled, peeling bark; adaptable to a range of soils. |
| Black CherryPrunus serotina | Dark cherries for wildlife and attractive bark. |
| ChokecherryPrunus virginiana | White flower clusters and dark fruit; can grow as an understory shrub or small tree. |
| Eastern Red CedarJuniperus virginiana | Evergreen with aromatic wood and blue-green foliage. |
| Eastern White CedarThuja occidentalis | Evergreen with scale-like foliage and a conical form. |
| Flowering DogwoodCornus florida | Showy spring flowering tree. |
| OaksQuercus spp. | Includes White Oak and Red Oak; produce acorns important to wildlife. |
| Pin CherryPrunus pensylvanica | White spring flowers followed by red cherries. |
| PawpawAsimina triloba | Small understory tree with large leaves and edible fruit. |
| Red MapleAcer rubrum | Adaptable tree known for red fall colour. |
| RedbudCercis canadensis | Heart-shaped leaves and pink spring flowers. |
| Sugar MapleAcer saccharum | Brilliant autumn colour and maple sap production. |
| Tulip TreeLiriodendron tulipifera | Fast-growing, large tree with distinctive leaves and tulip-like flowers. |
| WillowsSalix spp. | Often suited to moist soils; species vary in size and form. |
A note about planting under Black Walnut: Lists of “juglone-tolerant” plants are based largely on horticultural observations, and results vary by site. Check each species’ light and moisture needs before planting. Improve establishment with suitable mulch and watering, and avoid damaging the Walnut’s roots when digging.
Plant availability changes throughout the season. Visit our Plant Catalogue to explore species, or contact Natural Themes about availability.