Corylus americana

Common Names

American Hazelnut, American Filbert, Hazelnut, Filbert, American Hazel

Summary

Corylus americana, American hazelnut, is a native rhizomatous, thicket-forming deciduous shrub common in eastern North America. It typically grows 6–15 feet tall and 4–15 feet wide, forms dense thickets via root suckers, and bears both male catkins in spring and female flowers on the same plant; it is monoecious and not self-fertile, so cross-pollination from nearby shrubs enhances nut production. It tolerates a wide range of soils from acidic to alkaline and prefers full sun to partial shade, being hardy in USDA zones 4–9.

Its edible nuts are about 1/2 inch in diameter, maturing September–October, and consumed by humans and wildlife; the plant provides wildlife habitat and is used in hedges, screens, and naturalized plantings. For best nut production, plant multiple shrubs to aid cross-pollination, and it forms dense thickets that can be managed by pruning suckers; it is drought-tolerant once established and adapts to a variety of landscapes across the native range.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

120-180 inches

Spread

96-144 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-8, acidic to alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Red and yellowish-brown

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Burgundy

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

1-2 feet per year, moderate to fast growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies