SKU: SC00150

Corylus americana - American Hazelnut or Filbert is a large shrub with edible nuts that will tolerate part to deep shade. It is easy to grow and will form thickets, so it is best for naturalized plantings and where there is plenty of room to spread. Removing suckers will prevent formation of thickets. A great plant for difficult and dry sites or as a barrier. A fast growing, and easy to grow shrub.

Height: 9-16'
Spread: 8-13'
Zone: 4-9
Soil type: Well-drained, loamy soil
Soil pH:
Light: Full sun - part shade. Can tolerate deep shade.
Moisture: Medium
Flowers: Male-brown, Female-Red, March-April
Fruit: Edible nuts, July-August
Fall color: Orange, copper-red, purplish red, yellow and green to dull yellowish green.

Wildlife value: Nuts attracts songbirds as well as larger birds like bobwhite and ruffed grouse and small mammals. The leaves, twigs, and catkins are browsed by deer.
Notes of Interest: American hazel has been cultivated as an ornamental since 1798. It is also commercially cultivated for nut production. The sweet nuts may be eaten raw or ground and made into a cakelike bread. The nuts were used by Native Americans to flavor soups. Native Americans used Corylus americana medicinally for hives, biliousness, diarrhea, cramps, hay fever, childbirth, hemorrhages, prenatal strength, and teething, to induce vomiting, and to heal cuts (D. E. Moerman 1986).