Ivar Leidus / CC BY-SA 4.0
Hazelnut
Corylus
Overview
A multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that produces the rich, sweet nuts essential to Nutella, pralines, and fine chocolate. Hazelnuts (filberts) are among the easiest nut trees to grow, producing within 3-4 years of planting and reaching full production by year 8. They form a key layer in food forests and agroforestry systems, providing both food and wildlife habitat.
The genus Corylus encompasses a group of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Often placed in the birch family, Betulaceae, some botanists separate them into their own family, Corylaceae. These versatile plants are prized for their edible nuts, ornamental value, ecological importance, and historical significance.
Appearance and Distinguishing Features
Hazelnut trees and shrubs exhibit characteristic features such as:
- Pinnately compound leaves with odd-paired leaflets - Male catkins (yellowish flowers) appearing in late winter - Female flowers inconspicuous, occurring with or near male catkins - Round, edible nuts enclosed in a prickly husk
Native Range and Habitat
Hazels are indigenous to North America, Europe, and Asia. They thrive in various habitats, including:
- Woodlands and forest edges - Riparian areas and stream banks - Disturbed sites and hedgerows
Growing Conditions and Care
To cultivate healthy hazelnut plants, consider the following conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade - Well-drained loamy soil - Moderate moisture, drought-tolerant once established - Mulching to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
Propagation occurs via seed stratification or vegetative methods like grafting. Pruning is essential for maintaining size and shape.
Uses
Hazelnuts have multiple applications:
1.
Edible
Nuts are delicious raw or roasted, incorporated into confections, baked goods, and cuisines worldwide. 2.
Medicinal
Ache-fighting compounds found in hazel bark, leaves, and nuts may benefit health. 3.
Ornamental
Attractive catkins and autumn foliage colors enhance gardens. 4.
Ecological
Plants provide food for wildlife, support pollinators, and help prevent erosion.
Cultural or Historical Significance
Hazelnuts have played a role in human history:
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Cultivated by ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks - Symbolizing fertility, wisdom, and wealth in folklore traditions - An important food source in many cultures, particularly during winter
Notable Varieties or Related Species
Several Corylus species exist, each with unique characteristics. Examples include:
Appearance
- Corylus avellana (common hazel): Hardy shrub producing edible nuts - Corylus colurna ( Turkish hazel ): Deciduous tree valued for wood and nuts - Corylus Americana (American hazel): Native shrub providing food and shelter
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Forests & Woodlands
- Native Range
- Native to Alabama, Alberta, Arkansas, California, Delaware and 31 more US states; native to British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick... in Canada; also native to Alberta, Amur, Assam and 65 more regions
- Native Region
- Canada, Continental US, SPM
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant bare-root in spring; needs 2+ varieties for pollination; hardy to zone 3 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest when husks turn brown and nuts fall; dry in single layer 2-4 weeks |
| Cold (1-2) | Prune | Feb — Mar | Prune in late winter; remove suckers unless growing as hedge |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant bare-root in spring; space 15-20 feet for trees, 4-6 feet for hedge |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Gather fallen nuts daily; cure in dry area with good airflow |
| Cool (3-4) | Prune | Jan — Feb | Prune while dormant; open center for light |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in late fall while dormant; or early spring |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Spring planting alternative |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Harvest when husks open; shake tree or collect from ground |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Prune during dormancy; wind-pollinated — do not prune catkins |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant during dormancy; needs some winter chill |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest in late summer/early fall |
Uses
Culinary
- Eaten raw, roasted, or as hazelnut butter
- Essential in pralines, Nutella, and fine chocolates
- Oil pressed for high-end culinary use
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fats
- Manganese and copper support bone and connective tissue health
- Proanthocyanidins in skin support cardiovascular health
Other Uses
- Coppicing for poles, stakes, and wattle fencing
- Wildlife food for squirrels, jays, and woodpeckers
- Windbreak and hedge in agroforestry systems
