Corylus americana (American Filbert/Hazelnut) Unity Grown

Corylus americana, also called American filbert, or more commonly simply called hazelnut, is a suckering, deciduous native shrub found throughout most of the United States east of the Rockies. Noted for its edible nuts, which closely resemble the more common European hazelnut, Corylus americana is common as a permaculture addition to home landscapes, as its fast growth rate of 12-24” a year plus its moderate size of 6-16’ tall and wide makes it a consistent and low-maintenance crop production choice once established. Corylus americana performs well in a variety of different soil types and almost any light level, so long as it is provided with well-drained medium-dry soil. Beyond its environmental versatility and its food production value, hazelnut is also commonly used as a windbreak, thanks to its densely suckering habit, and has a ton of versatility in the garden in terms of ecological value.

American filbert nuts ripen in the mid to late summer and, though edible, can also be left as forage on the ground for a large number of animals including ground birds and a variety of mammal species, small and large. In addition to supporting larger animals, this shrub is a host plant for approximately 108 butterfly and moth species across its range, according to the National Wildlife Federation. One such species is the Checkered-fringe Prominent (Schizura ipomaeae), which is found throughout Maryland and the Delmarva peninsula. In the spring, Corylus americana produces 2-4” long male catkin flowers, which are sure to add as much interest to the spring garden as its multicolor yellow, orange, and red fall foliage does in the autumn garden. Through multiple seasons and among a variety of animals, hazelnut is an excellent addition to almost any home landscape.

Note: While Corylus americana plants do have male and female flowers on the same plant, meaning that some nut production will occur, if you are planning to grow hazelnuts for production, it is best to plant two or three plants near one another to ensure cross-pollination and heavier fruit set.