Corylus americana, commonly known
as American Hazelnut or American Filbert, is a native shrub to North America. Hardy
in zones 4-9.
Appearance:
Corylus americana is a deciduous
shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 12 feet (1 to 4 meters) but can
sometimes reach up to 15 feet (4.5 meters). It has a multi-stemmed, spreading
growth habit.
The leaves are broadly oval,
doubly serrated, and have a dark green color during the growing season. In the
fall, they turn various shades of yellow and red.
The shrub produces small,
inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in early spring. These are
wind-pollinated and not showy.
The fruits, known as hazelnuts,
are edible and enclosed in a leafy husk. Each nut is approximately 1-1.5
centimeters in diameter and has a hard shell.
Habitat:
Corylus americana is typically
found in woodlands, forest edges, and along streams in eastern and central
North America. It prefers well-drained soils and is often used in naturalistic
landscaping and habitat restoration.
Cultivation:
American Hazelnuts are cultivated
not only for their nuts but also for their ornamental value. They are grown in
gardens and used for wildlife habitat restoration, especially as they provide
food for various wildlife species.
Nutrition:
The nuts of Corylus americana are
edible and similar to the European Hazelnuts in taste. They are a good source
of healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They are used in
baking and confectionery, as well as consumed as a snack.
Wildlife Value:
The shrub is valuable to wildlife
as it provides both food and habitat. Many animals, including squirrels, birds,
and deer, consume the nuts. The dense, multi-stemmed growth of the shrub also
provides shelter and nesting sites for birds.
Corylus americana is an important
native plant in North America and has ecological, horticultural, and culinary
significance. It is a versatile and hardy shrub, well-suited for natural
landscaping and wildlife support.
Growing instructions for the American
Hazelnut
The seeds have a period of
dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the spring or summer and they will
germinate the next spring or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter
conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds
in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the
refrigerator and leave it there for 180 days. 4. The seeds like moist,
well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand,
perlite or vermiculite. 5. Put the soil in a pot. 6. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep.
7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. When the seedlings are a
few inches tall, they can be transplanted.