Plants Tolerant of Black Walnut Toxicity

Black walnut trees are a blessing and a curse. They are a beautiful addition to any yard and the nuts make for a delicious treat. In fact, it is even called ‘Butternut’, due to its nutty flavor.

However, this blessing does come with a curse in that black walnut trees poison plants around them and can leave your garden in ruins if you aren’t careful enough to select only plants that can tolerate the toxicity.

Here is a list of some common plants tolerant of black walnut toxicity:

Fescue

Fescue grass is a hardy, versatile turfgrass that is widely used in lawns, parks, and golf courses. Fescue grass has a deep root system that helps it to withstand drought and heat stress.

In addition, Fescue grass is resistant to disease and insects. Fescue grass grows well in both full sun and partial shade, and it tolerates a wide range of soil types.

Fescue grass has a fine texture and a dense growth habit, making it ideal for use in high-traffic areas. Fescue grass is available in both seed and sod form. For best results, Fescue grass should be fertilized twice per year with a slow-release fertilizer.

Most importantly, it’s entirely resistant to juglone, making it one of the best plants for planting around black walnut trees.

Trillium

Trillium Lily is a beautiful and versatile plant that is prized for its range of colors and delicate flowers.

With its three petal-like leaves and multi-petaled blooms, the trillium lily stands out as a distinct perennial that can add an eye-catching element to any garden or landscape.

This hardy plant thrives under a variety of conditions, including being resistant to juglone, making it an ideal choice for black walnut-covered gardens.

Whether you are looking for a splash of color or a unique accent piece, the trillium lily is sure to make a lasting impression. So why not add this lovely plant to your garden today? Your whole landscape will thank you!

Bluebells

Bluebells are known for their delicate, bell-shaped flowers and dark green leaves. They are a beloved wildflower that has become increasingly rare in many parts of the world due to habitat loss and increasing urbanization.

As if these challenges were not enough, bluebells have also been known to struggle with certain pests and diseases, including certain types of fungi.

However, there is one enemy they seem to be able to fend off without much trouble: walnuts. Bluebells are one of the few plants that are known to be naturally resistant to the toxins produced by walnut trees, allowing them to thrive even in areas where these hardwood trees have taken root.

Through this unique resistance, bluebells show just how powerful nature can be in protecting its most vulnerable creatures.

Narcissus

Narcissus is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. The genus includes around 50 species, the most well-known of which is the daffodil.

Narcissus are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They typically grow in areas with full sun and well-draining soil. Narcissus are best known for their large, showy flowers.

The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and pink. Many Narcissus species are highly fragrant.

In addition to their beauty, Narcissus are also prized for their resistance to pests and diseases. One common pest that they are resistant to is the walnut aphid.

This aphid feeds on the leaves of walnut trees, causing damage to the tree’s canopy. By planting Narcissus near walnut trees, you can help to protect the trees from this damaging pest.

Shasta daisy

Shasta daisies are resilient and beautiful plants, providing a splash of vibrant color to any landscape. These flowers are resistant to many common challenges that affect other plants, including drought and pest damage.

In addition, they are also uniquely resistant to walnut toxicity – a major threat for many types of ornamental trees.

While the nuts from walnut trees contain compounds that can be harmful to most plants, shasta daisy roots seem to be immune to these compounds.

As such, gardeners can confidently include shasta daisies in their gardens without worrying about toxicity from nearby trees.

Whether nestled in among shrubs and other small plants or planted en masse in large flower beds and borders, shasta daisies add beauty and longevity to any outdoor space.

So if you’re looking for a colorful addition to your yard where a black walnut tree has sucked the life out of everything else, this is it.

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit, colloquially known as “Indian turnip,” is a unique plant species distinguished by its distinctive foliage and tall stem.

Found mostly in the eastern United States, this herbaceous perennial has earned a reputation for being surprisingly resistant to walnut toxicity, despite sharing a genus with the highly-toxic black walnut tree.

In addition to displaying heightened resistance to certain pathogens, jack-in-the-pulpit also has an unusual appearance that makes it an attractive ornamental plant.

From its nodding red and white flowers to its pointed leaves shaped like horse hooves, jack-in-the-pulpit is well deserving of its name.

Perhaps most impressive of all, this fascinating plant has recently been hailed as a possible model organism for exploring how plants adapt their root architecture in response to environmental change.

So the next time you encounter a jack-in-the pulpit in your garden or meadow, take some time to admire this extraordinary botanical specimen!

Lungwort

Lungwort is an ugly name for a beautiful flower.

Lungwort is a type of evergreen perennial that is native to Europe and Asia. It gets its name from the thick, fleshy leaves that have a lobed or spongy appearance.

Lungwort is also known for its ability to resist walnut toxicity.

This makes it an excellent plant for gardeners who want to create a natural walnut-resistant barrier around their property.

Lungwort is relatively easy to care for and only requires occasional watering and pruning. It can be propagated by division or seed, and it typically blooms in the springtime.

With its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements, lungwort is an ideal plant for any gardener looking to add some evergreen interest to their landscape.

Liriope

Liriope is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape situations. It is an evergreen, so it provides year-round interest in the garden. It is also tolerant of shade and drought, making it a good choice for difficult growing conditions.

In addition, Liriope is resistant to walnut toxicity, so it can be planted under black walnut trees without fear of damage.

As a result, Liriope is an excellent plant for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are looking for low-maintenance ground cover or unique accents for your garden, Liriope is a great choice.

Ferns

Ferns are a type of plant that can be found in a variety of climates all around the world. They are known for their distinctive leaves, which are often used in decorative arrangements.

Ferns can also be useful in the garden, as they can help to prevent soil erosion and provide shade.

One of the most interesting things about ferns is that they are highly resistant to walnut toxicity.

This means that they can be planted near walnut trees without fear of damage to the plants. As a result, ferns can be a valuable addition to any landscape.

Iris

Iris is a hardy perennial plant that is renowned for its beautiful, colorful flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of different growing conditions.

Despite its delicate appearance, it is also extremely resilient and can withstand periods of drought, heat, or cold without any trouble.

Additionally, Iris is known to be resistant to walnut toxicity, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to grow thriving plants in the presence of this common garden toxin.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your garden or simply want a hardy plant that will survive any conditions, Iris makes a perfect choice.

So why not give it a try? You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to care for and how wonderfully it blooms!

Daylily

Daylily is a beautiful plant that is prized for its showy flowers and easy maintenance. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, however, daylily has also been shown to be highly resistant to the toxic effects of walnuts.

Studies have shown that daylilies are able to withstand the high levels of juglone found in walnuts and their leaves, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who grow walnuts on their property.

Whether you are looking for an attractive flowering plant to add beauty and color to your home or a way to prevent the risk of toxicity from your walnut trees, daylily is surely a plant worth considering.

With its unmatched tolerance for walnut toxicity, daylily truly lives up to its reputation as the “perfect perennial.”

Daffodil

We all know what a daffodil is, but just in case, Daffodil (Narcissus) is a genus of spring-flowering bulb flowers plants.

The common name “daffodil” is derived from the Medieval Latin word affodilus, which was borrowed from the Greek word for “unwelcome guest” (a- + fodon, genitive podos, “foot”).

The scientific name Narcissus is derived from the Ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, a handsome young man who became so obsessed with his own reflection that he wasted away and died.

Daffodils are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in public and private gardens, and they are also popular as cut flowers.

The most important commercial variety is N. pseudonarcissus, commonly known as the ” Dutch Master “.

This species is native to southern Europe and North Africa but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.

It is a popular garden plant because it is relatively easy to grow and can be used in a wide variety of settings.

It’s also completely immune to walnut toxicity, which makes it an ideal plant to grow near walnut trees.

Was the backstory so important? Probably not, But I bet you didn’t know all that!

Phlox

Phlox is a genus of approximately 60 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. The common name “phlox” or “flame flower” refers to the intense flower colors of some varieties.

Phlox are native to North America and found in a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to prairies. They are mound-forming plants with linear to ovate leaves and showy inflorescences of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers.

Flowers may be white, pink, lavender, or violet, and are often fragrant. Phlox is a popular garden plant, and many cultivars have been developed for use as ornamentals.

Some phlox species are resistant to walnut toxicity, making them a good choice for areas where walnuts trees are present.

With their showy flowers and variety of colors, phlox make an attractive addition to any garden. Just double-check that the species you get are specifically resistant to walnut toxicity, and you can be sure that your plants will thrive no matter what!

Kentucky bluegrass

Finaly, Kentucky bluegrass is a type of grass that is known for its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.

It is also relatively resistant to walnut toxicity, making it a good choice for people who have allergies to this tree nut.

Kentucky bluegrass is a popular choice for home lawns and public parks, as it is low maintenance and requires little fertilizer or pesticides.

In addition, Kentucky bluegrass is relatively drought-resistant and can survive in both hot and cold climates. For these reasons, Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular types of grass in the United States.

It can also grow nice and thick under a walnut tree, so if you’re looking for a ground cover that green up the big dead spot under your walnut tree, this is it!

As you can see, there are a variety of plants that are resistant to walnut toxicity. Whether you’re looking for an attractive flowering plant or low-maintenance grass, there’s sure to be a plant on this list that will suit your needs. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect plant for your garden!