- At the end of the alley between 1304 and 1306 King Street West
- Photo: © Emily Nixon
Those who wander off the beaten path are often rewarded with the unexpected. Unseen by regular urban pedestrians, this black walnut (Juglans nigra) is completely surrounded by concrete and yet has managed to thrive. It is a testament to the tenacity required of urban trees. Its large compound leaves and open crown make it a welcome sight in this alley hideaway.
With an extensive taproot, the Black Walnut is able to withstand drier soils, although they will grow more slowly under these conditions. Although uncommon in the rest of Canada, the Black Walnut is native to southern Ontario with its natural range extending just east of Toronto. They are well-known for their production of juglone, a chemical that leaches from fallen leaves and is exuded by the roots to inhibit the growth of other plants, even walnut seedlings. This reduces competition from other trees for resources such as light, water and space.
Black walnut is one of the most prized and most expensive woods in North America, and bands of “walnut rustlers” have been known to cut down and steal mature walnut trees from forested public land. Better keep this one a secret!
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