2yr, 8-16" American Hazelnuts
 
Discover the Abundant, Versatile American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
A true gift of the eastern and central North American woodlands, the American Hazelnut is a compact, productive shrub that brings beauty, wildlife abundance, and richly flavored nuts to the landscape. Adaptable, hardy, and highly ornamental, it’s a cornerstone species for edible landscapes, native plantings, and regenerative homesteads.
 
A Delicious, Nutrient-Dense Native Nut
The American Hazelnut produces small to medium-sized nuts with exceptional flavor—sweeter, richer, and more complex than most commercial European varieties. These nuts offer:
High protein and healthy fats
Vitamins E, B-complex, and minerals
Excellent roasting, baking, and fresh-eating qualities
 
Perfect for:
Nut butters
Trail mixes
Confections and desserts
Nut milks
Roasting or eating straight from the shell
Once established, hazelnuts bear abundantly and reliably each season.
 
Unique Flowering and Pollination
American Hazelnut is monoecious—each shrub produces both male and female flowers, but cross-pollination is still required for consistent nut production.
Male flowers appear as long catkins in late winter
Female flowers are tiny red tufts emerging from buds
Wind carries pollen from one plant to another
For this reason, plant at least two genetically distinct hazelnuts to ensure good pollination and generous harvests.
 
Ecological and Wildlife Benefits
The American Hazelnut is a powerhouse of ecological value:
Nuts are relished by turkeys, woodpeckers, jays, squirrels, and small mammals
Dense thickets create excellent nesting habitat for songbirds
Catkins provide late-winter food for early-foraging wildlife
Leaves support numerous species of moth and butterfly larvae
Its suckering growth helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion
This shrub is a keystone food source for woodland ecosystems.
 
Cultural, Historical, and Traditional Uses
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples valued the American Hazelnut for both food and craft:
Nuts were eaten fresh, roasted, or ground into flour or pastes
Flexible stems were used for baskets, arrows, and traditional building
Hazelnuts were often gathered and stored for winter nourishment
In some traditions, the hazel branch was considered a symbol of protection and divining wisdom
Early settlers also prized hazelnuts, considering them a dependable wild crop and valuable hedge plant.
 
Versatile Landscape Applications
The American Hazelnut shines in many settings:
Edible hedgerows
Wildlife plantings
Windbreaks and living fences
Forest-edge or understory plantings
Permaculture and regenerative systems
Naturalized thickets for privacy or screening
Its graceful form and multi-season appeal—catkins in winter, lush summer foliage, and fiery orange-red autumn color—make it a standout shrub.
 
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant when established
Pruning: Can be coppiced to maintain size or increase vigor; remove old stems every few years
Pests/Diseases: Very resilient; far less affected by Eastern Filbert Blight than European hazelnut varieties
Pollination Needs: Plant two or more for consistent nut production
 
The American Hazelnut is a celebration of abundance—nutrient-rich harvests, vibrant wildlife habitat, deep cultural roots, and year-round beauty. Whether you’re creating a productive hedgerow, wildlife corridor, or home orchard, this native shrub brings nourishment, resilience, and natural elegance to your landscape.