America. It’s valued for its adaptability, attractive foliage, and clusters of small edible nuts that mature in late summer to fall. In early spring, it produces graceful yellow catkins before the leaves emerge, adding ornamental interest to landscapes.
The Non-GMO American Hazelnut thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, making it ideal for wildlife habitats, naturalized plantings, and home gardens. Its nuts provide an important food source for birds, deer, and small mammals, while its dense growth offers excellent cover and windbreak qualities.
Features
- Produces clusters of edible nuts in late summer
- Non-GMO, native, and hardy across most U.S. regions
- Ornamental yellow catkins and dense green foliage
- Excellent for hedges, windbreaks, and wildlife gardens
- Tolerates a range of soil and moisture conditions
- Low maintenance and long-lived
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Corylus americana
- Common Name: American Hazelnut
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Growth Height: 8–15 feet
- Spread: 10–12 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil
- Bloom Season: Early spring (March–April)
- Fruit Season: Late summer to early fall
- Flower Color: Yellow (male catkins), red-tipped (female flowers)
- Nut Color: Brown, enclosed in leafy husks
- Foliage: Rounded green leaves turning yellow in fall
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or fall
- Sowing Depth: 1 inch
- Germination Time: 60–120 days (cold stratification for 90–120 days recommended)
- Watering Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning; remove crossing or weak stems
- Wildlife Benefits: Provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals
- Uses: Edible landscaping, hedgerows, erosion control, wildlife restoration
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratify: Chill seeds in moist medium for 90–120 days before sowing.
- Prepare Soil: Use well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny to partly shaded area.
- Sow Seeds: Plant 1 inch deep; water gently.
- Light: Full sun produces best nut yields.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist until seedlings establish.
- Spacing: 8–10 feet apart for natural growth or hedgerows.
- Maintenance: Prune older branches every few years to renew growth.
