Description
American Hazelnut or filbert is a native shrub that grows from Hudson Bay south to the Florida border then to west Oklahoma, north to western Manitoba. Fully the eastern half of North America.
Hazelnuts grow about 12 to 24 inches a year up to about 16 feet.
The nuts mature in late summer to fall and can be eaten raw. Tends to grow in a clump in full sun. Hazelnuts are self pollinating but fill out better with 2 or more planted. American Hazelnuts produce a tasty and healthy nut that can be eaten right from the tree.
Scientific Name: Corylus americana
Zone: 4-7
Mature Height: 7-16 ft
Mature Width: 6-15 ft
Fruit: Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, ripen September to October. Encased in a frilly husk.
Flowers: Showy, yellow male catkins. Tiny pink female flowers.
Bloom Time: April
Growth Rate: 12-36″
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Drought Tolerance: Good
Flood Tolerance: Moderate
Sun Requirement: Full sun to part shade
Fall Color: Brown to copper
Wildlife Value: With a higher nutritional content than beechnuts or acorns, they are fantastic for deer, grouse, turkeys, woodpeckers, squirrels, fox and deer. Male catkins are a winter food source for grouse.
