American Hazelnut
American Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Hazelnuts are densely growing long lived shrubs, suitable for a variety of soil conditions. In addition to bearing edible nuts for you to enjoy, this native shrub also offers high wildlife value by providing shelter and food to a variety of species. In autumn the American hazelnut has yellow to orange foliage.
Should produce a small number of nuts within 3-4 years with a larger crop occurring every 2-3 years.
Bare root, 18-24"
Sourced from Michigan
Growing tips
- Harvest nuts while still a little green to beat the wildlife. Cure in warm, dry spot to finish ripening.
- When ripe, papery outer husk will turn brown and pull back from the nut. Inside, the nut kernel will turn tan or light brown and feel firm.
- American Hazelnut is not self-fertile, so to ensure nut production it is recommended to plant multiples for cross-pollination.
- Prune back root suckers to prevent spread and thicket formation.
| Mature height (ft) | 9-18 |
| Mature spread (ft) | 8-13 |
| Sun preference | Full sun |
| Native/non-native | Native |
| Soil type preference | Clay, sand, or loam |
| Soil moisture preference | Moist, well-drained |
| Blooms | May to June |
| Fruits | August to October |
| Pollination | Not self-pollinating; plant multiples for cross-pollination |
| Zone | 4-9 |
| pH | Neutral to acidic |
| Wildlife benefit | Food source for songbirds, turkey, quail, grouse, black bear, foxes, skunks, deer, squirrels, and chipmunks; wildlife shelter and habitat. |
| Uses | Edible; shrub border; hedge |
| Resistance/tolerance | Low flammability, tolerate walnut family |
*Non-native is not inherently negative; non-native species refers to any species living outside of its natural range and can have neutral, positive, or negative impacts. Invasive species are a non-native species that spread aggressively and cause harm to the environment, economy and/or human health. Many non-native species have naturalized and fill a beneficial niche in the ecosystem.
How to use hazelnuts:
Toast hazelnuts first for richer flavor and better texture.
- Baking: Add to cookies, muffins, and breads for sweet earthy flavor
- Spreads: Make DIY Nutella or hazelnut butter
- Candied hazelnuts or hazelnut truffles
- Mix in with granola
- Eat as-is for a great snack
Resources
Corylus americana, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Corylus americana, Missouri Botanical Garden