A native shrub producing edible hazelnuts.

Also called: American Filbert, American Hazel

Native status: Native to eastern and central US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 2–4 m (6.5–13 ft); rarely taller
WeightN/A
LifespanTypically 30–60 years
OrderFagales
FamilyBetulaceae

§ Encyclopedia

The hazelnut is the fruit of the hazel tree and therefore includes any of the nuts deriving from species of the genus Corylus, especially the nuts of the species Corylus avellana. They are also known as cobnuts or filberts according to species.

Source: Wikipedia — Hazelnut Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Multi-stemmed shrub with rounded irregularly-toothed leaves; long drooping male catkins in late winter; small clusters of nuts in leafy bracts (involucres) in fall.

Similar species. European Hazelnut (introduced; cultivated). Beaked Hazelnut (C. cornuta — long beak-like involucre).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Native shrub of eastern North America. Wind-pollinated catkins (males) emerge in late winter before leaves; tiny red female flowers on same plant. Edible nuts (smaller than commercial European hazelnut/filbert) heavily harvested by chipmunks, squirrels, jays, and other wildlife. Hybrids with European hazelnut (C. avellana) are being bred for commercial nut production with better cold-hardiness. Eastern Filbert Blight is a major threat.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hazelnut (american) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native hazelnuts.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • The Land Institute (perennial agriculture)
  • New England Wild Flower Society