[Objective] The effects of walnut shell extracts (WSE) on the growth and lipid accumulation of Monoraphidium sp. QLZ-3 were explored. [Methods] Different volumes of WSE were added to BG-11 medium (all nutrients in BG-11 were retained in the medium). [Results] The biomass and lipid productivity reached (534.7±4.07) mg/(L·d) and (296.4±15.36) mg/(L·d) with addition of 40% WSE in the culture medium, increasing 14.82% and 33.50%, respectively, with upregulation of protein and downregulation of carbohydrate. [Conclusion] Exogenous WSE could enhance the biomass and lipid productivities in microalgae.