Little walnut is a native and grows from southwestern Kansas through Oklahoma and Texas, south into northeastern Mexico. Little walnut would commonly be located within the narrow riparian forests adjoining a river or creek bottom.

Propagation by seed is the recommended way to produce little walnut seedlings. Like most walnut species, the seeds are characterized by a dormant embryo. Seed dormancy can be broken by artificial stratification at 34 to 41degrees F for 90 to 120 days. Stratified seeds will normally germinate within 4 to 5 weeks. Seeds may be naturally stratified by planting in the fall in moist, well-drained, deep soil, then allowing at least 90 days with soil temperatures below 41 degrees. Little walnut trees will first bear seed at approximately 15 years of age with abundant seed crops being produced at irregular intervals. Once seedlings are established, young plants generally grow rapidly. Small seedlings will need to be protected from browsing animals.

The walnut husk fly may infest ripening fruit of little walnut in late summer. Damage by this insect varies, but generally tends to be less in exposed windy areas. Little walnut is highly susceptible to root or crown rot when periodically flooded. There are no known cultivars of little walnut at this time. The species can be obtained commercially from some state forestry associations and seed companies.
(United States Department of Agriculture NRCS Plant Fact Sheet)