Black walnut trees are ubiquitous in the hedges that I hunt. You can smash these things, soak them in water, and if you pour the water out on the ground, earthworms will come crawling out.
Most plants have some sort of toxin in them to fend off insects. Walnuts do too. These trees also produce a toxin called juglone which inhibits respiration in susceptible plants.
interestingly, that Juglone compound in walnut species (leaves and hulls) has its important uses in Nature: it is a fantastic off-the-ground dewormer for all grazing animals, and at *just* the right time of year...we take advantage of that yearly with our flock.
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