As Cyrus says. Now black walnut and english walnut are easily distinguishable. Google for images of their leaves. English has a leaf similar to hickory, smooth edge with the peculiar shape that becomes slightly wider getting farther from the stem, whereas black has a leaf which is much smaller, serrated, and somewhat similar to very large hornbeam leaves. Hickory and english walnut both produce minimal amounts of juglone. One can grow anything nearby. Black produces copious amounts of the stuff, but even with a BW around you can grow a successful, if limited, garden. Greens: beet and chard. Roots: onion, garlic, beets, carrots, and parsnips. Fruits: all cucurbitae. Beans: beans and favas. These, plus most herbs, make it near a BW. It is not a bad selection, if you ask me. I have lost ostrich ferns and thyme planted near a BW, as well as a couple of ornamental shrubs (firebush, I think, and rhododendron). I have never dared try any of the sensitive vegetables (the most sensitive are reputed to be the solanaceae), although I had a volunteer tomato from compost last year, growing 30 ft from a 70 ft BW, and it grew fine, without the minimal sign of stress. Composted BW leaves, mixed in small amounts with other nontoxic leaves (oak and hickory), do not appear to cause harm. BW nuts are the best nut there is, but they are a real nuisance to crack and eat. Finally, IMHO plants die only when really on top of a BW root. one foot away and the plant may live.

Hi Kaye! Sounds like you could benefit equally from something that prevents your cat from accessing your plants. I had a kitty for 12 years who absolutely could NOT stop herself from digging, eating, tearing up, knocking over my plants. I've attached a link to a beautiful little device that solved most of my problems. As for selecting non-toxic plants and flowers? You might try the Pets forum. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/pets/ Karen Here is a link that might be useful: Tabletop Greenhouse

I'm so glad you posted regarding non-toxic plants ! I'm ashamed that I didn't think of it ! Last year, my new chow pup became violently ill...wouldn't eat or drink water, tail drooped, sad, pain-filled eyes...We couldn't figure out what was wrong, until I found pieces of aloe vera scattered around the yard, with chew marks ! this was surprising as I know aloe vera to be considered a medicinal plant ! I've used it many times (on myself) for burns etc. Rudy is now two years old, but still has an appetite for plants ! I have a nine page list of toxic plants that I refer to every time I head for a garden center ! I also printed out the non-toxic list for a "double-check"...My lists are from the "pawprinte and purrs" website; but there's also an excellent list on ASPCA website, but I couldn't get it to print ! In case you're wondering what cured him, I'm not sure, but I gave him several doses of liquid Golden Seal (from health food store); maybe he just got better on his own...bottom line is it was a lesson learned by me, if not HIM! I just wish that the plant info tags state "toxic" or "pet safe"... I also would like to suggest that posters to our site follow suit and indicate the same when they recommend plants to us...On the other hand, I guess it's our own responsibility to check it out ourselves... But I DO wish the professional plant growers would provide the info, right along with sun/shade, water, annual/perennial etc. Thanks for bringing up this important topic !

Babalu, Bird Talk magazine regularly had articles on this subject, and according to them, the first inch or so (on a big avocado) is an excellent food source for parrots. BUT, they always cautioned that as you get close to the seed, it was toxic, and the seed itself is, too. So...I was always afraid that I would cut too much off and get the toxic bits, and I never gave it to them. Gary, toucans are very different from parrots, and it is possible the toxins don't bother them. They are full bore fruit & veggie eaters, from what I have read, and parrots have a wider variety of needs. Mine ate a pelleted diet, with supplements of fruit, vegetables, meat (they love chicken & cracking open a chicken bone to get the marrow), pasta, red beans and rice, and more. They got seeds as a treat only, as they tend to overeat on them otherwise, and become fat. My big parrots were all worth four figures, too, and I tried very hard to keep up with all available information on dietary and social needs. NOT saying avocados are bad for your friend's toucans. Just that they may react differently than parrots do. Or maybe he's just careful about what parts he gives them? But honestly, the list is endless when it comes to plants and things that are toxic to one animal or another. I mean, we can eat chocolate all day long, and only pay the price of gaining weight. Chocolate can kill dogs. So it isn't easy keeping up with what's safe for your animals and what's not. You just have to do your best. Marcia