Corylus americana – American Hazelnut

General Information: A multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree found throughout the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains of North America. The American Hazelnut produces delicious nuts that mature in fall. Smaller in stature than their European counterparts, their compact growth habit and quick growth rate make them ideal to quickly fill space in small yards. Equally complementary to their shrub-like growth pattern is their ability to resprout new growth after being pruned. These plants have excellent three-season appeal. In early spring, often while most other plants are still dormant, American Hazelnuts produce their male flowers. These flowers, known as catkins, are yellow and about 3 inches long. They dangle ornamentally from the branches like golden streamers. Once the plants begin to leaf out, they form a dense green hedge that may be pruned to just about any shape. In fall, the nuts are produced in frilly, papery bundles, known as an involucre, while the leaves turn a brilliant orange with hues of yellow and red. Lastly, in late fall, the inconspicuous female flowers are produced, which remain on the tree all winter. This plant is an important food source to Eastern and Central US Native wildlife and has an important value to Indigenous Peoples as a foodsource and occasionally as a medicine.

Edible Qualities: The American Hazelnuts are smaller than the European Filbert, but just as delicious. They are best picked at the “soft milk” stage, just before they are fully ripe, usually from late August to mid September depending on the climate. At this stage, the husk is still green with the tips of the fringes only just beginning to develop a brown coloration. This is when the shell is fully ripe and the nut meat is the sweetest. We recommend that the entire cluster of husks be picked at once. Nuts may be harvested at any point from when the fringes of the husk turn brown all the way until they are completely brown. They are irresistable to wildlife, however, and it is rather uncommon to find more than one or two nuts on a tree that remain in their husks once they have turned completely brown. Nuts should be allowed to dry for 6-8 weeks before storing. They can remain in the husk at this time and will easily fall out on their own. Consider hanging them to dry in a mesh bag in a cool, dry, and dark environment such as a garage or basement. Once dry, when refrigerated, American Hazelnuts have a shelf life of up to 12 months! As delicious as they are, we doubt even the most bountiful harvests will last that long.

Cultivation Details: This plant is self-fertile. Only one is required for nuts to form. Consider planting American Hazelnuts as a hedgerow, windbreak, or border planting. These plants are highly attractive to wildlife, and may invite unwanted rodent activity if planted close to a structure. These plants are an excellent shrub layer for a food forest. For rewilding, consider planting them along streambanks, forest margins, clearings, or along pathways or roadsides. These plants have a clumping habit and will send out suckers over time to form a thicket. American Hazelnuts are compact enough to be easily netted to discourage wildlife from foraging the nuts, however the netting needs to be very tight. Hungry rodents will spend a lot of time and energy trying to get at them.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Plants which do not receive 4-6 hours of direct sun will have significantly reduced nut production and will not grow with vigor. Tolerates most soil types. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates occasional dryness. Suitable for mildly acidic and neutral soils.