There are different types of hazelnuts across the world, including in Europe, Asia, and North America. The three varieties the Hybrid Hazelnut Consortium works with include a European variety and the two native North American species: beaked and American.
By crossbreeding cold-sensitive, commercial-quality (larger nut size) European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) with American (C. Americana) or beaked (C. comuta) hazelnuts, we can greatly expand the range of commercial hazelnuts, as hybrids are disease-resistant and well-adapted to the American climate with much better nuts.
Beaked Hazelnuts
Native area of Beaked Hazelnut
Key Identifying Factors of Beaked Hazelnuts:
Mature involucres 4 to 7 cm
Twigs glandless
Prickly hairs on involucres
Besides having small, thick-shelled nuts, native hazelnuts express a wide range of adaptability and a high resistance to EFB.
American Hazelnuts
Native area of American Hazelnut
Key Identifying Factors of American Hazelnuts:
Mature involucres 1.5 to 3 cm
Young twigs mostly glandular
Besides having small, thick-shelled nuts, native hazelnuts express a wide range of adaptability and a high resistance to EFB.
European Hazelnuts
Key Identify Factor of European Hazelnuts:
Exposed Nuts in involucres
Corylus avellana is often referred to as the European or common hazelnut. Corylus avellana is a native species of Europe and western Asia. European hazelnuts are often naturally a shrub but can be trained to grow as trees. The nuts of European hazels are commonly free-falling and larger in size than American or beaked nuts.
Beaked Hazelnuts
American Hazelnuts
