The American Hazelnut Tree (Corylus americana), also known as the Filbert, is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree that produces delicious, nutrient-rich hazelnuts. Native to North America, this tree is a favorite for gardeners looking for a productive and low-maintenance nut tree. It is well-suited for a variety of garden settings, from edible landscapes to wildlife-friendly gardens. The tree grows to a moderate height, producing clusters of small, round nuts encased in a leafy husk. These nuts are high in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making them a valuable addition to any garden or homestead. In addition to its edible benefits, the American Hazelnut is an attractive plant, with rounded leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall and small, catkin-like flowers in early spring.

Key Features:

• Edible Nuts: The American Hazelnut produces small, delicious nuts with a rich, slightly sweet flavor that can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in cooking and baking.
• Hardy and Resilient: This tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climates, making it a versatile addition to gardens across much of North America.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the American Hazelnut requires minimal care, making it a great option for gardeners who want to grow their own nuts with little effort.
• Attractive Foliage: The hazelnut tree has rounded, glossy green leaves that turn vibrant yellow in the fall, adding color to your landscape throughout the seasons.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The tree provides food for birds, squirrels, and other small mammals, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
• Pollinator-Friendly: American Hazelnut trees produce small male and female flowers (catkins and pistillate flowers), attracting early pollinators like bees and insects.

Growing Information:

Light:
American Hazelnut trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best nut production, plant the tree in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. In regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress.

Soil:
The tree prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Hazelnuts are not particularly picky about soil type but do best in fertile, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Make sure the planting area has good drainage to prevent root rot. Hazelnuts can tolerate slightly dry conditions once established, but regular watering during dry spells helps the tree grow vigorously.

Planting Tips:
Hazelnut trees can be grown from seeds or nursery-bought saplings. If planting from seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing and stratify them by refrigerating for 90-120 days prior to planting. Start seeds indoors in the winter or early spring, and plant them outdoors once the last frost has passed. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep in the soil. Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow room for their bushy growth.

For fruit production, you will need at least two hazelnut trees for cross-pollination. The trees are wind-pollinated, so they should be planted near each other to ensure the best chance of nut production.

• Watering:
  Water the tree regularly during its first few years to help it establish a strong root system. After the tree is established, it can tolerate some drought, but it grows best with consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. Deep watering is preferred, especially during dry spells, to encourage deeper root growth. Mulch around the base of the tree can help conserve moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth.

Benefits:

• Nut Harvest: The American Hazelnut provides a harvest of delicious, nutritious nuts that are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. These nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in a variety of culinary applications such as baking, granola, and nut butters.
• Low Maintenance: Hazelnut trees require little care once established, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to grow their own food with minimal effort.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The tree attracts birds and small mammals, which feed on the nuts. It also provides shelter and habitat for various species, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to attract wildlife.
• Ornamental Appeal: The American Hazelnut has attractive, rounded leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall. In early spring, it produces small, dangling catkins that provide additional visual interest.
• Pollinator Support: The flowers of the American Hazelnut tree attract pollinators such as bees and insects, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
• Edible Landscaping: This tree is an excellent choice for edible landscaping, allowing gardeners to grow nuts while also enjoying the tree's beauty.

Growing Zones:
The American Hazelnut is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across North America. It is best suited for regions with cold winters but can tolerate mild winters as well. It thrives in areas with moderate rainfall and well-drained soil.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Landscaping: Plant the American Hazelnut tree in your edible landscape, where it can provide both a delicious nut harvest and ornamental value. It works well in a mixed garden of fruit and nut trees or alongside berry bushes and perennial vegetables.
• Wildlife Gardens: Because of its ability to attract wildlife, the American Hazelnut tree is perfect for a wildlife-friendly garden. Plant it along the edges of a wooded area, garden, or natural space to support birds, squirrels, and other creatures.
• Privacy Screens or Hedges: As a bushy tree, the American Hazelnut can be used to create a natural hedge or privacy screen, especially if planted in groups. Its dense foliage and multiple stems create an attractive barrier.
• Companion Planting: The American Hazelnut can be grown alongside other fruiting trees or plants that benefit from the shade or wind protection provided by its branches. Pairing it with other nut trees, like chestnuts or walnuts, can also help ensure good pollination.

Conclusion:
The American Hazelnut Tree (Corylus americana) is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any garden. With its delicious, nutritious nuts, ornamental value, and wildlife benefits, it’s a perfect choice for edible landscaping or creating a wildlife-friendly environment. Whether you’re growing it for the nuts, the beautiful foliage, or its role in supporting pollinators, the American Hazelnut is a rewarding tree that will continue to provide for years to come.