shrub

American Hazelnut

Name: American Hazelnut
Brand: Corylus
Availability: InStock

Corylus americana

$32.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

192 inches

Width

156 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, nuts are edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Corylus americana is a multi-stemmed, suckering shrub native to the eastern United States, known for producing edible hazelnuts (filberts). It forms a dense, rounded thicket over time. This plant offers significant winter interest with its long, pendulous, yellowish-brown male catkins that appear long before the leaves, providing a subtle but welcome sign of impending spring.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

While primarily grown for practical purposes, American Hazelnut offers a pleasing, naturalistic form and significant winter interest from its dangling catkins. Its fall color ranges from attractive yellow to deep red and purple.

It produces sweet, edible nuts that can be harvested for human consumption. Its suckering nature makes it an excellent choice for creating dense windbreaks, privacy screens, and hedgerows.

This native shrub is a wildlife superstar. The nuts are a crucial food source for squirrels, chipmunks, blue jays, deer, and wild turkeys. The dense thickets provide excellent cover and nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun for best nut production.
Prefers moist, well-drained loams but is adaptable.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Space plants 8-10 feet apart to allow for mature size.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two genetically distinct plants to ensure cross-pollination, as they are wind-pollinated and self-incompatible.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water during the first few years.
Prune out about a third of the oldest stems every few years to rejuvenate.
Allow space for the plant to sucker and form a thicket.
Protect young plants from deer and rabbits.

Don't

Don't plant only one shrub if you want to harvest nuts.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, constantly wet soil.
Don't expect a tidy, formal plant; embrace its natural, suckering habit.
Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization, which can reduce nut production.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive edible landscape shrubNaturalistic windbreak or screenWildlife-attracting thicket

Companion Plants

Sambucus canadensis Asimina triloba Amelanchier arborea Viburnum prunifolium Quercus macrocarpa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Hazelnut questions

What zones can American Hazelnut grow in?

American Hazelnut is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is American Hazelnut deer resistant?

Yes — American Hazelnut is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does American Hazelnut bloom?

American Hazelnut typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does American Hazelnut need full sun?

American Hazelnut does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.