Corylus americana, also known as American hazelnut, is a multi stemmed native shrub prized for its edible nuts, wildlife support, and seasonal interest. It produces inconspicuous flowers in early spring followed by small sweet nuts encased in leafy husks. Its rounded habit and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for hedgerows or naturalized plantings, while the vibrant yellow to orange fall foliage adds ornamental value.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 ft x 8 - 12 ft
Bloom Time: Early spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to dry soils; adaptable to various conditions
Watering Needs: Low to moderate once established
Deer Resistance: Somewhat deer resistant but nuts may attract wildlife
Native Status
Corylus americana is native to eastern and central North America and thrives in a wide range of habitats from woodlands to open meadows.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Catkins provide early season pollen for native bees including mining bees.
Butterflies
- Host plant for caterpillars of the Io Moth and Polyphemus Moth.
Birds
- Nuts are eaten by blue jays, woodpeckers, grouse, and wild turkeys while dense branches offer nesting habitat.
Mammals
- Nuts are a critical food source for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and black bears in native ecosystems.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 8 - 12 ft apart to allow natural spreading and thicket formation.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for native hedgerows, forest edges, and wildlife gardens where natural structure and food value are desired.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Upright native grass with blue green summer foliage and copper fall tones enhances seasonal color shifts.
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) - Provides white spring flowers and dark berries for wildlife while thriving in similar habitats.
- Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) - Compact native shrub that fixes nitrogen and offers summer bloom beneath hazelnut canopy.
- Rudbeckia triloba (Brown Eyed Susan) - Produces cheerful yellow blooms that contrast well with hazelnut’s rounded form and turn color in fall.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Vibrant orange blooms attract butterflies and tolerate dry sunny conditions near hazelnuts.