Black Walnut Leaves

[nanny_56]

Are these bad to use in leaf mulch? Our neighbor has a couple right next to the property line.This guy is so nice. We are going in together to make a bed out by the road. It will feature butterfly bushes and ornamental grass and other things to be decided on next spring!

[Gardentoad]

I've used it, but I mixed it with other leaves too. I was told it was the roots of walnut trees that keep other plants from growing.

Once I was given some walnuts that I had to take the husks off of them. I saved the husks and put it all in my veggie garden. Then someone told me that nothing would grow there about 2 weeks after I dumped it in the garden. It wasn't true. My veggies grew there the same as they always did.

Here's a link:
http://www.citynews.ca/blogs/frankieflowers_11590.aspx

[eastwood2007]

I've studied alot on walnut 'parts' cuz I have all walnuts around the house. I haven't tried this, but reportedly walnut leaves, when composted, become non-toxic. Walnut anythings will kill especially tomatoes and peppers and such in the same family. I have tried that...before I knew. One year I had beautiful tomato plants in my greenhouse, and mulched with grass clippings that had leaves etc. in them. The tomato plants immediately began to turn yellow, and didn't produce very well. I thought it was just the grass clippings so I didn't put anymore on. If I had, it probably would have killed them....

[nanny_56]

Thanks guys!

[viktoria]

It is my understanding that primarily ericaceous plants (rhodos, azaleas, heaths, heathers and the like) are affected by juglone, which is what black walnuts emit. I have a small grove of black walnuts (a couple dozen) in my yard. There is all kinds of plant material growing under them, including hostas, and all are thriving. I remove neither leaves nor nuts. I started planting the area a dozen or more years ago so if anything was going to be affected, it surely would have croaked by now.

The pics below are from two years ago.

Viktoria

[party_music50]

I'm glad this topic floated back to the top...
After admiring my hostas earlier this year, my neighbor decided to plant more for herself. She just told me that they're doing lousy (very spindly), and I noted that she planted them at the back corner of her lot -- a spot that's beneath the canopy of another neighbor's black walnut tree. I had read many times that black walnut roots would inhibit plant growth, so I suspect that is her problem.

Viktoria -- black walnuts can be used to make a great natural dye/stain! I remember you once saying that you wanted to learn to weave baskets, so you'll be happy to have your own supply if you decide to make some.

[eastwood2007]

party-music, while black walnuts can have an effect on some plants, hostas are ones that can definitely be grown successfully under walnut trees. All my hostas grow under black walnut trees.

There must be another problem with your neighbor's hostas....my first guess would be the soil they are growing in.

[JaneG]

Yep, the hostas will be fine. Walnut trees are great for underplanting with hostas because the walnut roots grown DOWN, rather than at the surface where they would compete with hostas. Walnut trees are WAY better than those doggone maples!!!

But like others have mentioned, the roots of walnut do release juglone, which is toxic to some plants. Don't put your veggie garden under a walnut. If you goggle "Juglone" or "Walnut tree toxicity" you will find lots of reference material with lists of good and bad plants for under walnut. Your local extension office probably has a list.

[Spider]

And if you turn it into shavings make sure it stays FAR away from horses. Walnut toxins cause severe founder (laminitis, swelling of the feet) in horses. Rotation of the bones of the foot leads to the horse being put to sleep.

[Gardentoad]

I have one small (about 6" dia.) walnut tree and I havn't planted under it. It is an english walnut that is grafted onto a black walnut rootstock.
How close to the base can I plant hostas?
It won't hurt the tree to dig around the roots?

I haven't planted a new hosta bed in years.

[eastwood2007]

Gardentoad, I plant my hostas right up under the walnut trees. As long as there is enough soil for the hosta to grow, the tree roots don't present a problem.

I have accidentally planted some too close to be able to send roots deeply enough, and while they didn't die, they didn't thrive, either, and I had to move them.

[Bob Scott]

Old post I know but I've compost walnut leaves and now LOTS of walnut sawdust form my wood working shop. Never had a problem.