Black walnut trees are beautiful but notoriously tricky when it comes to planting around them. Their roots release a chemical called juglone, which can make it hard for many plants to grow nearby. However, don’t let that discourage you from filling that empty space under the tree. There are actually several plants that thrive in the unique conditions around black walnuts, and you can still have a vibrant, full garden in these spots.
If you’re looking to make the most of those tricky shaded areas, these 18 plants are perfect for growing under black walnut trees. Not only do they tolerate juglone, but they also bring color and texture to those bare spots in your yard. Whether you’re aiming for ground cover or adding some height with shrubs, these plants can help create a flourishing garden, even in the shadow of a black walnut.
Hosta
Hostas are beloved for their lush, dense foliage, making them ideal under black walnut trees. These hardy perennials come in various shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns.
Their ability to thrive in shade and tolerate juglone, the chemical secreted by walnut roots, makes them a top choice. Hostas require minimal maintenance, aside from regular watering and occasional fertilization.
Their large leaves create a stunning ground cover, which can be complemented by their summer-blooming flowers. Perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, eye-catching plant that adds texture and color to shady spots.
Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s Seal, with its graceful arching stems and bell-shaped white flowers, thrives beneath black walnut trees. This perennial flourishes in dappled shade and adapts well to the allelopathic environment.
It offers a unique architectural element to gardens, with its leaves turning a golden hue in autumn. The plant is relatively easy to grow and requires little attention once established.
Ideal for adding elegance and interest, Solomon’s Seal pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns, creating a harmonious and tranquil garden space.
Ferns
Ferns are classic shade-loving plants that thrive under black walnut trees. They come in various sizes and forms, from delicate fronds to robust, leathery leaves.
Their ability to tolerate juglone and adapt to shady, moist environments makes them a favorable choice. Ferns add a natural woodland feel to gardens, creating a lush, green backdrop.
With minimal care requirements, such as occasional watering and mulching, ferns are perfect for gardeners seeking effortless greenery. They complement other shade-tolerant plants, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden.
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells bring a touch of spring magic with their enchanting clusters of blue and pink bell-shaped flowers. Thriving under black walnut trees, these perennials prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Their early bloom time provides a burst of color before the tree canopy fills in, making them a spring garden favorite. Once established, they require minimal upkeep and spread naturally over time.
Virginia Bluebells are perfect for naturalizing shady garden areas, offering vibrant hues and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger, with its heart-shaped leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers, thrives in the shade of black walnut trees. This native perennial is an excellent ground cover that tolerates juglone.
It forms a dense mat of greenery, suppressing weeds and adding texture to the garden floor. Wild Ginger prefers rich, moist soil and once established, demands little care.
Its unique foliage and ability to coexist with other shade-loving plants make it a valuable addition to woodland gardens, enhancing biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.
Lungwort
Lungwort, known for its spotted leaves and charming clusters of blue and pink flowers, thrives beneath black walnut trees. This perennial prefers cool, shady areas and well-drained soil.
Lungwort’s tolerance to juglone and low maintenance needs make it a garden favorite. Its early spring blooms add vibrant color, attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Ideal for adding visual interest to shady spots, Lungwort complements other perennials like ferns and hostas, creating a dynamic garden display.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart captures attention with its arching stems and heart-shaped pink flowers. Thriving under black walnut trees, this perennial adds elegance to shaded gardens.
It prefers rich, well-drained soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture. Bleeding Heart is relatively low maintenance, requiring occasional watering during dry periods.
Its enchanting blooms and graceful form make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking to add romance and charm to their landscapes.
Astilbe
Astilbe, with its feathery plumes of pink, white, and red flowers, thrives in the dappled shade of black walnut trees. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and is relatively low maintenance.
Astilbe’s tolerance to juglone, combined with its striking blooms, makes it a popular choice for shade gardens. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden space.
Ideal for creating texture and color contrast, Astilbe complements other shade-loving plants, enhancing the overall garden aesthetic.
Barrenwort
Barrenwort, also known as Bishop’s Hat, features heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of pink, yellow, or white. It thrives under black walnut trees, tolerating juglone with ease.
This perennial prefers shaded areas with well-drained soil and requires minimal care once established. Barrenwort’s unique foliage and charming blooms provide texture and color to garden floors.
Perfect for adding whimsical beauty to shady areas, Barrenwort complements other perennials, creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, a low-growing ground cover, features attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers. Thriving under black walnut trees, it tolerates juglone and adapts well to shady environments.
This perennial spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil. Bugleweed’s vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding life to the garden.
Ideal for filling bare spots, Bugleweed requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking effortless ground cover and color.
Goat’s Beard
Goat’s Beard, known for its tall, feathery plumes of white flowers, thrives under the canopy of black walnut trees. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Its tolerance to juglone and striking appearance make it a valuable addition to woodland gardens. Goat’s Beard provides height and structure, complementing lower-growing plants.
Ideal for creating dramatic focal points, this plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning after blooming.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff, with its whorled leaves and small, white star-shaped flowers, thrives under black walnut trees. This perennial ground cover prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Sweet Woodruff’s tolerance to juglone and ability to spread quickly make it a popular choice for filling bare spots. Its delicate blooms add a touch of elegance to the garden.
Ideal for creating lush, green carpets, Sweet Woodruff requires minimal care, offering a charming and fragrant addition to shady areas.
Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder, with its pinnate leaves and clusters of blue flowers, thrives under black walnut trees. This perennial prefers cool, shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Jacob’s Ladder’s tolerance to juglone and distinctive foliage make it a valuable addition to shade gardens. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding vibrancy to the garden.
Ideal for adding texture and color, Jacob’s Ladder complements other perennials, creating a dynamic and visually appealing garden space.
Foamflower
Foamflower, with its heart-shaped leaves and airy white flowers, thrives under the shade of black walnut trees. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to juglone.
Foamflower’s delicate blooms add a soft, ethereal quality to gardens, attracting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity. It requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for effortless gardening.
Perfect for adding elegance and interest, Foamflower complements other shade-loving plants, creating a harmonious and enchanting garden atmosphere.
Celandine Poppy
Celandine Poppy, known for its bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves, thrives under black walnut trees. This perennial prefers shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Its tolerance to juglone and vibrant blooms make it a standout choice for shade gardens. Celandine Poppy attracts pollinators, adding color and life to the space.
Ideal for creating cheerful focal points, this plant requires minimal care, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese Painted Fern, with its silvery-grey fronds and purple stems, thrives under black walnut trees. This perennial prefers shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Its tolerance to juglone and striking coloration make it a popular choice for adding contrast to shade gardens. Japanese Painted Fern requires minimal care, offering effortless elegance.
Ideal for complementing other plants, its unique appearance adds texture and visual interest, enhancing the overall garden aesthetic.
Toad Lily
Toad Lily, known for its orchid-like spotted flowers, thrives in the shade of black walnut trees. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to juglone.
Its exotic blooms appear in late summer to fall, offering color when other perennials fade. Toad Lily attracts pollinators, adding life to the garden.
Ideal for adding unique beauty and interest, Toad Lily complements other shade-loving plants, creating an enchanting and dynamic garden space.
Hellebore
Hellebore, with its nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, and green, thrives under black walnut trees. This perennial prefers shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Its tolerance to juglone and early blooming make it a valuable addition to shade gardens. Hellebore’s flowers provide color when few others do, brightening the garden.
Ideal for creating winter interest, this plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional care, making it perfect for effortless gardening.