American Hazel (Corylus Americana)

Alternative Names

Latin (scientific) name: Corylus americana

Common English name: American hazel

French name: Noisetier d’Amérique

Other Information

Tree Type: Deciduous; Edible Fruit/Nut Tree

Habitat:  Prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight each day (full sun – partial shade). Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sand, well-drained and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant.

Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Description

The American Hazel (or Hazelnut) is a multi-stemmed shrub with a round top and wide-spread bottom. It is a larger tree so can adapt well to non-formal areas.

It will bear 2-3 years after planting, but once it starts, will be an annual, abundant crop of small, sweet tasting nuts. Its nuts are easy to crack and drop free of its husk when mature. Harvest occurs from September to October.

The American Hazel grows to 15-18 feat in height and can spread to 10-12 feet wide. It grows at a medium rate, from 13-24” per year.

Trees should be planted in multiples to ensure cross-pollination. It will produce red female flowers and yellow-brown male catkins on the same plant; however, it is not self-fertile.

Nuts are preferred by squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants, grouse, quail and jays. Catkins are a staple food for ruffed grouse throughout the winter.

Sources: Tree Canada and Arbor Day Foundation