List of Garden Vegetables Tolerant to Black Walnut Toxicity
Even in the days of the Romans, people knew that walnut trees affected gardens. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is an important hardwood lumber and shade tree. However, it produces juglone, a natural chemical that leaches into the soil from all parts of the tree. Juglone acts as a respiratory inhibitor, leaving plants unable to breathe. Plants sensitive to juglone may wilt, have stunted growth or even die. If you're planning to grow edibles near a black walnut tree, consider plants that are tolerant of this toxin.
Above-Ground Vegetables
Juglone-tolerant vegetables that grow on vines, stems or bushes above ground include lima beans, snap beans, corn, melons and squash. Make sure the plants get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to help battle any toxins from the black walnut tree's drip line.
- Even in the days of the Romans, people knew that walnut trees affected gardens.
- If you're planning to grow edibles near a black walnut tree, consider plants that are tolerant of this toxin.
Root Crops
Root crops that tolerate juglone include beets, onions, parsnips and carrots. Remember that juglone can remain in a tree's roots years after the tree has been chopped down. Squirrels often will harvest the nuts and bury them in your garden.
Tips
Never mulch your garden or landscape plants with black walnut wood chips, leaves or bark. Remove fallen leaves or nuts from your garden immediately. If you can't move your garden away from the tree's dripline, raised beds may help. Construct the beds at least 8 inches high to minimize root penetration from the tree.
- Root crops that tolerate juglone include beets, onions, parsnips and carrots.
- Construct the beds at least 8 inches high to minimize root penetration from the tree.
Black Walnut
The black walnut grows well in a variety of conditions but performs best in open areas where the sun shines brightly throughout the day. During periods of drought, your black walnut tree may drop its leaves. The foliage of the tree typically develops into a rounded shape that spreads 60 to 80 feet. Plants that are suffering from juglone poisoning show stunted growth, wilting and yellowed leaves before eventually dying. The fruit of the black walnut tree has a hard, round casing that can create a hazard around the tree. Black walnuts are susceptible to minor pests, including tent caterpillars, scale insects, mites and webworm larvae.
Related Articles
References
- Morton Arboretum: Plants Tolerant of Black Walnut Toxicity
- West Virginia Extension: Black Walnut Toxicity
- Purdue Extension: Black Walnut Toxicity
- North Dakota State University: Black Walnut
- U.S. Forest Service: Juglans Nigra: Black Walnut
- West Virginia University Extension Service: Black Walnut Toxicity
Writer Bio
Aileen Clarkson has been an award-winning editor and reporter for more than 20 years, earning three awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. She has worked for several newspapers, including "The Washington Post" and "The Charlotte Observer." Clarkson earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Florida.
