Hazelnut
Plant Type: Dormant, bare-root
Zones: 4-9
Soil Type: Clay, Loamy & Sandy Soils
Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Mature Height & Width: 10-15' Height and 8-12' Spread
Growth Rate: Moderate/Fast - 12-24" or more per year once established
Moisture Requirements: Average
Hazelnut
Corylus americana
The Hazelnut exhibits a round shape with dark green foliage. This shrub produces a sweet tasting nut which is valuable to both humans and wildlife. The Hazelnut is a must have on your land if you are planting for a hunting food source or wildlife viewing. This selection suckers naturally in the sun or shade and is adaptable to most soil types. Plant two or more shrubs for proper pollination.
The Hazelnut is also known as Filbert or the American Hazelnut.
The Hazelnut will begin to produce nuts after three to four years, and reach full nut production around eight years of age. This bush is very versatile. It grows well in almost all soil and light conditions, can be used as a hedge or privacy screen, and many different types of birds and wildlife adore the nuts that it produces. This bush will display a nice red / orange / yellow color in autumn. The Hazelnut will grow in full sun to heavy shade. For best nut production, plant in full sun.
Many people grow this bush for personal consumption for eating the edible nut or using it to bake with or make hazelnut coffee.
Common uses for the Hazelnut include:
- Food source for hunting property and wildlife viewing
- Personal and commercial production of hazelnuts for consumption
- Hedge or privacy screen
- Lower story of a windbreak
This is a must have on your hunting or wildlife viewing plot. The Hazelnut produces a small sweet nut that is prized by deer, turkeys, woodpeckers, pheasants, grouse, quail, squirrels and jays. The male catkins are a food staple of ruffed grouse throughout the winter.
