Question
I have an enormous black walnut in my yard.  I've planted camelias under it, they have all died.  We've had a bad drought the past couple of years, and I've blamed it one that.  However, I've recently learned black walnut is toxic to azeleas.  Is it toxic to camelias too?  None of the web sites I've looked at say it is, but they're rather contradictory.  They all say black walnut is is toxic to azeleas but only about 25% of the azeleas have died, and they always did better when I remembered to water them.  I live right on a river, about 20-30 feet elevation, 150-200 feet from the water.  The top foot or two of soil is very rich, black, and organic looking.  There's clay under that.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
There are very few plants that will grow under a black walnut tree. A chemical, juglans, secreted by the roots of the walnut tree stunts or kills many plants. Most people do not plant black walnuts as an ornamental tree because it is difficult to find a plant that will grow well near the tree's root system. Azaleas are on the list but camellias are not BUT I would think of someone checked they would be on the list to not plant under walnut.