American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

American Hazelnut

(Corylus americana)

Superior National Forest

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Superior National Forest

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Superior National Forest | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Corylus_americana_2-eheep_(5098096734).jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, Sarchi Norte, Costa Rica. Names: Dietes iridioides (L.) Sweet ex Klatt, African Iris, Cape Iris, Fortnight Lily, Wild Iri Classification

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Corylus americana, commonly known as American Hazelnut or American Hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including woodland edges, open fields, and along fence rows in the eastern and central United States, as well as the extreme southern parts of eastern and central Canada. It typically grows to a height of 2.5 to 5 meters (8 to 16 feet) with a crown spread of 3 to 4.5 meters (10 to 15 feet). American Hazelnut is often multi-stemmed with long outward growing branches that form a dense, spreading, or spherical shape. It produces edible nuts that are encased in a thick husk, which mature in the fall and are a valuable food source for wildlife.

The shrub is valued for its ability to attract and support fauna, including birds and small mammals, due to its production of nuts. It is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance and adaptability to different soil types, including well-drained loams. American Hazelnut is commonly used in native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, and as a natural hedge. It requires full sun to part shade and medium amounts of water, with best fruit production occurring in full sun. While it can tolerate partial shade, this can lead to reduced plant density and nut yield. It is relatively free of serious pests and diseases but can be susceptible to filbert blight and nut weevils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 8-16 feet
Width: 8-13 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Woodland edges, open fields, and along fence rows

Other Names

Common Names: Hazel, Hazelnut, American Hazel, Noisetier D’Amérique

Scientific Names: , Corylus americana, Corylus americana var. indehiscens, Corylus americana var. calyculata, Corylus virginiana, Corylus americana f. americana, Corylus americana f. missouriensis, Corylus calyculata, Corylus humilis, Corylus americana f. calyculata

GBIF Accepted Name: Corylus americana Walter