What kind of plant is Texas walnut?

Juglans microcarpa is a small to medium deciduous tree, often multi-trunked, that grows along creek bottoms and dry washes in the southern Great Plains.

How much sunlight does Texas walnut need?

It grows best in full sun, though young trees can tolerate some part-sun conditions.

How much water does Texas walnut require?

It does well with medium water but is drought tolerant once established, which suits the hot, dry summers common in its range.

When does Texas walnut bloom?

It typically flowers in April and May, with separate male and female flowers appearing on the same tree.

What pollinates Texas walnut?

Beetles and wasps are among the insects observed visiting its flowers, though wind also plays a role in pollen movement for this species.

Is Little Walnut toxic to livestock?

Little Walnut is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Little Walnut HOA-friendly?

Little Walnut is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Little Walnut

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Juglans microcarpa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Texas walnut is a small deciduous tree that grows best in full sun and blooms in April and May. It tolerates medium water and handles drier soils once it is established.

Toxicity unknown

Little Walnut (Juglans microcarpa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Little Walnut is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–360" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

KS, NM, OK, TX

Pollinators

beetles, wasps, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies

A medium-sized native tree that grows 20-40 feet tall with a rounded canopy. It produces small edible nuts and has compound leaves that turn yellow in fall. This drought-tolerant tree blooms in spring with inconspicuous flowers.

Growing Little Walnut

Grow Little Walnut in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Walnut is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Nuts may create minor cleanup issues

Wildlife value

Supports beetles and wasps during its spring bloom period. The nuts provide food for squirrels and other wildlife.

Common questions

What kind of plant is Texas walnut?: Juglans microcarpa is a small to medium deciduous tree, often multi-trunked, that grows along creek bottoms and dry washes in the southern Great Plains.
How much sunlight does Texas walnut need?: It grows best in full sun, though young trees can tolerate some part-sun conditions.
How much water does Texas walnut require?: It does well with medium water but is drought tolerant once established, which suits the hot, dry summers common in its range.
When does Texas walnut bloom?: It typically flowers in April and May, with separate male and female flowers appearing on the same tree.
What pollinates Texas walnut?: Beetles and wasps are among the insects observed visiting its flowers, though wind also plays a role in pollen movement for this species.
Is Little Walnut toxic to livestock?: Little Walnut is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is Little Walnut HOA-friendly?: Little Walnut is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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