Juglone-tolerant Native Species to Grow Near and Under Black Walnut

Black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) release a chemical called juglone which can inhibit the growth of plants sensitive to it. Juglone is found in all parts of the Black Walnut trees including roots, leaves, bark and nuts. Juglone is most concentrated in the roots and can be found in the soils around the tree, especially under the trees canopy. Some plants struggle to grow in the presence of juglone. However, there are many trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that are tolerant of juglone and can thrive near black walnut.

These juglone-tolerant plants have evolved mechanisms to cope with the chemical and can grow successfully under and near black walnut trees.

Wildflowers

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Early spring bloomer with white flowers and distinctive leaves. Grows in shade.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): Produces blue berries and yellow-green flowers. Grows in shade.
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis): White, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late spring. This species does spread. Grows in sun to shade.
Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis): Yellow flowers that bloom in the evening and attract pollinators.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): White, foamy flower clusters and attractive foliage. Grows in shade.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata): Fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea): Yellow flowers that bloom in early spring .Grows in shade, part shade.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica): Striking blue flowers that attract pollinators. Grows best in part shade.
Helenium (Helenium spp.): Bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Grows in sun and part shade.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): Unique, hooded flowers and red berries. Grows in shade.
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): Umbrella-like leaves and white flowers. Grows in shade.
Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum): Clusters of fluffy, blue-violet flowers that bloom in late summer. Prefers some moisture and sun, part shade.
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana): Tubular pink, lavender, or white flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica): Delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring. Grows in shade.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum): Arching stems with bell-shaped flowers. Grows in shade.
Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana): White, thimble-shaped flowers that bloom in summer.
Trillium (Trillium spp.): Iconic three-petaled flowers in various colors. Grows in shade.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): Blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. Grows in shade. Is an ephemeral, leaves dies back in summer.
Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum): White to lavender flowers and water-spotted leaves. Grows in shade.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Lavender flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Grows in full-sun or part shade.
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Fragrant blue flowers that bloom in spring. Grows in shade, part shade.
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Grows in sun to shade.
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Pink to purple flowers that bloom in spring. Grows in shade, part shade.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Heart-shaped leaves and small, hidden flowers. Grows in shade.
Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus): Bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and attract pollinators. Grows in shade, part shade.

Shrubs

Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Edible berries and white flower clusters.
Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis): Edible black raspberries and white flowers.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Spherical flower clusters that attract pollinators. Requires moist to wet soil to thrive.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): Large-sized shrubs with white to pink flowers.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Red stems and white flower clusters.
Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.): Edible berries and white flowers.
Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum): Bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Yellow flowers and aromatic leaves.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Yellow flowers that bloom in late fall.

Trees

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): A large tree with smooth, gray bark and dark green leaves.
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): Recognizable by its mottled, peeling bark and large, broad leaves. It is a hardy tree that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina): Produces small, dark cherries and has attractive, peeling bark.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana): Produces small, dark berries and has attractive white flower clusters. A shrub that can be grown in the understory.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): An evergreen tree with aromatic wood and blue-green foliage.
Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis): A hardy evergreen with scale-like leaves and a conical shape.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Known for its beautiful white or pink spring flowers.
Oaks (Quercus spp.): Includes various species like white oak and red oak, known for their strong wood and acorns.
Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica): Produces bright red cherries and has attractive white flower clusters.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): Produces edible fruit and has large, tropical-looking leaves.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum): A versatile tree with vibrant red foliage in the fall.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Features heart-shaped leaves and stunning pink flowers in spring.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Famous for its brilliant fall color and maple syrup production.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera): Has distinctive tulip-shaped flowers and large, lobed leaves. It grows tall and straight, fast-growing, large tree.
Willows (Salix spp.): Known for their graceful, arching branches and ability to thrive in moist soils.