American Hazelnut Filbert 10 Seeds Corylus americana

Corylus americana, commonly known as American hazelnut or American filbert, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. Belonging to the Betulaceae family, it is valued for its edible nuts, attractive foliage, and wildlife benefits.

Here are some key features of Corylus americana:

Leaves: The leaves of American hazelnut are alternate, simple, and broadly ovate with doubly serrated margins. They are medium to dark green in color and turn shades of yellow or orange in autumn before dropping. The foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the shrub's flowers and nuts.

Flowers: The flowers of Corylus americana are small, pendulous, and yellowish-brown in color. They are borne in catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge, adding visual interest to the landscape. The flowers are wind-pollinated and provide an early source of pollen for bees and other pollinators.

Nuts: The nuts of American hazelnut are small, round, and covered by a husk or involucre. Each nut contains a single edible kernel that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. The nuts ripen in late summer to early fall and are highly prized by wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.

Habitat and Growing Conditions: American hazelnut is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forest edges, and thickets, throughout its native range. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full sunlight. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it thrives in fertile, loamy soils.

Cultural and Culinary Uses: The nuts of Corylus americana have been used as a food source by Native American tribes for centuries. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are commonly used in baking, confections, and as a flavoring ingredient. The nuts are also used to make hazelnut oil, which is prized for its rich, nutty flavor and culinary versatility.

Wildlife Value: In addition to providing food for humans, the nuts of American hazelnut are an important food source for a variety of wildlife species. The shrub also provides cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, contributing to habitat diversity in natural areas.

Overall, Corylus americana is a valuable and versatile shrub species with edible, ornamental, and ecological attributes. Its attractive foliage, early spring flowers, and nutritious nuts make it a welcome addition to gardens, natural landscapes, and wildlife habitats. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Growing instructions for the American Hazelnut

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the spring or summer and they will germinate the next spring or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 180 days. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. 5. Put the soil in a pot. 6. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep. 7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.