American Hazelnut Filbert

American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a native, deciduous shrub grown for its edible fall nuts and early-season catkins. It often develops multiple stems and expands by root suckers, so give it room in a naturalized edge, woodland planting, or wildlife garden. ## Form and season Published measurements vary by site and source. NC State reports a mature height of 9–12 feet and width of 8–13 feet ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/corylus-americana/)); the University of Minnesota lists 10–16 feet tall with an 8–13 foot spread ([University of Minnesota](https://campustrees.umn.edu/american-hazel)). Spring flowers include pollen-bearing catkins and small female flowers, followed by brown nuts that ripen around September and October ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/corylus-americana/)). Fall foliage turns yellow ([University of Minnesota](https://campustrees.umn.edu/american-hazel)). ## Growing conditions Full sun is recommended where nut production matters ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/corylus-americana/)); the species also occurs in lightly shaded woodland settings. The University of Minnesota lists USDA hardiness Zones 4–9 ([University of Minnesota](https://campustrees.umn.edu/american-hazel)). Flowers on an individual plant are not self-fertile, so plant multiple hazelnuts and provide a compatible pollen source if a nut crop is desired ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/corylus-americana/)). ## Wildlife and harvest The edible nuts are used by people and eaten by wildlife, including birds and small mammals ([University of Minnesota](https://campustrees.umn.edu/american-hazel)). Leave some nuts for wildlife or collect them as they mature in fall. ## Maintenance Root suckers can form dense thickets ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/corylus-americana/)). Thin unwanted shoots to contain spread and preserve the shape or clear space around paths; otherwise, retain the natural multi-stemmed habit.