Little Walnut

Juglans microcarpa

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Juglandaceae
Genus:
Juglans
Species:
Juglans microcarpa
USDA Symbol:
JUMI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
900 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
greenish-yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Newlywed Underwing (Catocala neogama), pecan leaf casebearer (Acrobasis juglandis), southern tussock moth (Dasychira meridionalis), Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 90-120 days to break dormancy; germination occurs in spring after soil warms.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.

Source: Claude AI

Where to Buy

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