Nut Tree Understory Guild

A forest-inspired guild centered around nut trees with complementary understory plants. This guild mimics the edge of a forest with layers of vegetation that support each other.

Food Production Soil: Loam to Clay Loam Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade Water: Moderate
Guild Ratings
8/10
9/10
9/10
8/10

Tree

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

Large native tree valued for its nuts and timber. Produces jugalone, which suppresses growth of certain plants.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 70.0' tall × 60.0' wide
Planting Season: October - November
Harvest Season: September - October
Hickory

Carya ovata

Native tree with sweet, edible nuts. Excellent timber and important for wildlife. Deep taproot makes it drought resistant.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 80.0' tall × 40.0' wide
Planting Season: October - November
Harvest Season: September - October

Shrub

Hazelnut

Corylus americana

Native shrub that produces edible nuts. Tolerates a variety of soil conditions.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Plant Size: 10.0' tall × 8.0' wide
Planting Season: March - April
Harvest Season: September - October

Vegetable

Garlic

Allium sativum

Bulbous herb with strong flavor and aroma. Repels many insect pests and has medicinal properties.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 0.5' wide
Planting Season: October - November
Harvest Season: July - August

Dynamic Accumulator

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Deep-rooted perennial that accumulates nutrients. Used for mulch, compost, and medicinal purposes.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 3.0' tall × 3.0' wide
Planting Season: March - April
Harvest Season: May - October

Groundcover

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Native groundcover that produces small, intensely flavored berries. Good erosion control.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.0
Plant Size: 0.5' tall × 1.5' wide
Planting Season: March - April
Harvest Season: May - June
Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Aromatic groundcover with edible leaves and attractive flowers that attract bees. Drought tolerant.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Low
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.0
Plant Size: 0.3' tall × 1.5' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - September

Recommended Planting Instructions

No detailed planting instructions are available for this guild yet.

Planting Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring Planting (4 plants)
  • Hazelnut March - April
    Shrub
  • Comfrey March - April
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Wild Strawberry March - April
    Groundcover
  • Creeping Thyme April - May
    Groundcover
Fall Planting (3 plants)
  • Black Walnut October - November
    Tree
  • Hickory October - November
    Tree
  • Garlic October - November
    Vegetable

Harvest Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring Harvest (2 plants)
  • Comfrey May - October
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Wild Strawberry May - June
    Groundcover
Summer Harvest (4 plants)
  • Garlic July - August
    Vegetable
  • Comfrey May - October
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Wild Strawberry May - June
    Groundcover
  • Creeping Thyme June - September
    Groundcover
Fall Harvest (5 plants)
  • Black Walnut September - October
    Tree
  • Hickory September - October
    Tree
  • Hazelnut September - October
    Shrub
  • Comfrey May - October
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Creeping Thyme June - September
    Groundcover

Monthly Activity Calendar

Plant Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Black Walnut H P H P
Hickory H P H P
Hazelnut P P H H
Garlic H H P P
Comfrey P P H H H H H H
Wild Strawberry P P H H
Creeping Thyme P P H H H H
P = Planting Time H = Harvest Time
Fresh Garden Salsa
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Summer

A vibrant, fresh salsa made with ingredients straight from the garden. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Instructions:

1. Finely dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno peppers.
2. Chop cilantro leaves.
3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
6. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment.

Walnut and Herb Pesto
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 8 Season: Summer

A flavorful pesto variation using black walnuts instead of pine nuts. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a marinade for meats and vegetables.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Black Walnut
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Instructions:

1. Toast 1 cup of black walnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Combine toasted walnuts, 4 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
3. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
4. With the processor running, slowly add 1/2 cup olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Rustic Potato and Herb Skillet
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Year-round

A simple and delicious potato dish with fresh herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:

1. Wash and dice 2 pounds of Russet potatoes.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet.
3. Add potatoes and cook until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes.
8. Serve hot as a side dish.

Classic Marinara Sauce
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 6 Season: Summer

A versatile tomato sauce made with Roma tomatoes and herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add 3 pounds of Roma tomatoes, crushed.
5. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Use with pasta, pizza, or as a base for other sauces.