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American HazelnutCorylus americana
The American Filbert is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded top and an open, often wide-spreading base. Because of its size, it is adapts well to naturalizing and other nonformal areas. It bears annual, abundant crops of small, sweet tasting nuts. It will bear in 2-3 years after planting. The nuts are easy to crack and drop free of the husk when mature. (Plant multiple trees with the same flowering time to ensure pollination) (zone 4-9)
Hardiness Zones
The american hazelnut can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map
Tree Type
Mature Size
The American hazelnut grows to a height of 15–18' and a spread of 10–12' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This shrub grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this shrub, meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The American hazelnut grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant.
Attributes
This shrub:
- Yields ½
- Can be harvested typically from September to October.
- Will begin producing nuts approximately 2–3 years after planting, 8 years if grown from seed.
- Grows in a rounded shape.
- Takes on a multi-stemmed form with an open, often wide-spreading base.
- Produces red female flowers and yellowish-brown male catkins on the same plant (but it is not self-fertile).
- Should be planted in multiples (2 or 3) to ensure cross-pollination.
Wildlife Value
The nuts produced by this shrub are a preferred by squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants, grouse, quail and jays. The male catkins are a food staple of ruffed grouse throughout the winter.
History/Lore
It is also known as the American filbert.