American Hazelnut, American filbert
Corylus americana

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub. It grows 3 m tall. The branches are tough and flexible. The leaf stalks and twigs are covered with gland tipped hairs. The oval leaves are larger than Corylus avellana. The leaves have teeth along the edge. Male and female flowers grow on the same plant. The fruit are nuts in a fringed, green husk. The nuts are 12 mm long. They occur in clusters.

There are about 15 Corylus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They have a cold requirement of about 1000 hours below 7°C for fruit set. Cool, moist summers also assist nut production. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The kernels of the nuts are eaten raw or used in soups, breads, cakes and candies.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Corylus calyculata;