American hazelnut

Name: American hazelnut

Botanical name: Corylus americana

Light requirements: The American Hazelnut prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows well in a variety of light conditions but produces the most nuts in areas with ample sunlight.

Soil and watering needs: This large shrub/small tree is adaptable to different soil types, though it thrives best in well-drained, fertile soils. It's moderately drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.

Description: The American hazelnut is a deciduous shrub, typically growing 10 to 15 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded, bushy habit, making it an excellent choice for hedgerows or wildlife gardens. The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and have a serrated edge, turning from green to a beautiful array of yellows, oranges, and reds in the fall. The shrub produces edible nuts that are encased in a unique, fringed husk. The American hazelnut is often multi-stemmed with long outward growing branches that form a dense spreading or spherical shape. It spreads by sending up suckers from underground rhizomes.

Medicinal and other uses: While the primary use of American hazelnut is for its nuts, which are a valuable food source for wildlife and can be used in cooking and baking, there are also some traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes used parts of the plant for various remedies, including using the oil for hair care.

Origin and distribution: Native to the eastern United States and parts of southeastern Canada. It commonly grows in woodlands, forest edges, and along roadsides.

Interesting facts: American Hazelnut is often used in naturalized landscapes and restoration projects. It's a valuable plant for wildlife; the nuts are a favorite of squirrels, deer, turkeys, woodpeckers, and other animals. It's also beneficial for its ability to act as a windbreak and to prevent soil erosion due to its dense root system. It's a member of the birch family and is related to other nut-producing trees like the filbert (Corylus maxima).

Ideal conditions and care: Requires minimal maintenance once established. Pruning can be done to shape the plant or to remove any dead or diseased branches. It's relatively pest and disease-resistant, though it can be susceptible to filbert blight in some areas. Watch this short video to learn how to prune your hazelnut tree!