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louisa Troy, VA(Zone 7a) Mar 05, 2001

Do you feed your wild birds sunflower seeds? I know I do! Well, apparently sunflower roots secrete a toxin that inhibits the germination of other plants. This natural defense, called allelopathy, also is exhibited by plants such as Artemesia, barley and black walnut trees. So volunteer seedlings need to be pulled up and relocated somewhere else as does the bird feeder. If sunflowers are grown from seed better to start them in a separate patch away from other planting areas. I just found this out today!!

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Debby Milo, IA(Zone 5a) Mar 06, 2001

Louisa: Now that is a new one to me. Don't that beat all. I knew about the Walnut Trees, the others I didn't have a clue. Thanks, for the info.

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louisa Troy, VA(Zone 7a) Mar 06, 2001

Debby can you imagine the amount of stuff we don't know!! Did you see my post about California gardeners - now that's scary!

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michele5000 Joshua Tree, CA(Zone 8b) Mar 07, 2001

Louisa, Thanks for passing that along. I had no idea. Where is the post about California Gardeners?

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louisa Troy, VA(Zone 7a) Mar 07, 2001

michelle - on the second page of General Discussion :-)

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Susie_Q Negaunee, MI(Zone 3b) Mar 09, 2001

That would explane why I can't get any thing to grow around the bottom of the table I feed the birds on. I thought the birds were eating the seed.

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Patty Mar 09, 2001

[ Removed per member request. - Admin]

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Jake Glen Arm, MD(Zone 7a) Mar 10, 2001

Black walnuts release a substance called juglone which is a growth inhibitor.Lessens competition around the tree.

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Sari Saint Helen, MI(Zone 5a) Mar 10, 2001

Actually all juglans release juglone just not as much as black walnuts. BTW Not all plants are affected by juglone.

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