Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to North America, prized for its delicious edible nuts encased in distinctive “beaked” husks. It’s a resilient plant that thrives in woodlands, hedgerows, and garden borders, offering both beauty and utility.
The Non-GMO Beaked Hazelnut Shrub is an excellent choice for edible landscaping and naturalized plantings. It produces clusters of small, round nuts with a rich, buttery flavor similar to cultivated hazelnuts. Its dense growth habit provides excellent cover and food for wildlife, while its yellow catkins add early-season color to the landscape.
Features
- Produces sweet, edible nuts in decorative beaked husks
- Native, non-GMO, and cold-hardy species
- Attracts wildlife including birds and squirrels
- Great for edible gardens, hedges, and reforestation
- Drought- and frost-tolerant once established
- Low-maintenance and easy to grow
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Corylus cornuta
- Common Name: Beaked Hazelnut / Beaked Filbert
- Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
- Growth Height: 6–15 feet
- Spread: 8–12 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; pH 5.5–7.5
- Bloom Season: Early spring
- Nut Season: Late summer to early fall
- Flower Color: Yellow catkins (male), red styles (female)
- Fruit Color: Brown nut in beaked green husk
- Foliage: 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 days recommended)
- Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates occasional drought
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning; remove dead or weak stems
- Pollination: Cross-pollination recommended (plant at least 2 shrubs)
- Wildlife Benefits: Nuts feed birds, deer, and small mammals
- Uses: Edible landscaping, wildlife habitat, hedgerows, erosion control
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratify: Store seeds in a moist medium for 90 days at 34–40°F before planting.
- Prepare Soil: Use well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
- Sow Seeds: Plant 1 inch deep and water gently.
- Light: Full sun ensures strong nut production.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment.
- Spacing: 8–10 feet apart for hedgerows or orchard planting.
- Care: Prune lightly to maintain structure; mulch base for moisture retention.
