Corylus Americana

Description

Commonly called American filbert or hazelnut, is a Wisconsin native, deciduous, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub which typically grows 8-16′ tall and occurs statewide in dry or moist thickets, woodlands and wood margins, valleys, uplands and prairies. Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant). In spring, male flowers appear in showy, 2-3″ long, yellowish brown catkins and female flowers appear in small, reddish, inconspicuous catkins. Female flowers give way to small, egg-shaped, 1/2″ long, edible nuts (maturing July-August) which are encased in leafy, husk-like, ragged-edged bracts. Nuts are similar in flavor to the European filbert and may be roasted and eaten or ground into flour, but are also commonly left for the squirrels and birds. Ovate, double-toothed, dark green leaves (3-6″ long). Fall color is quite variable, ranging from attractive combinations of orange, rose, purplish red, yellow and green to undistinguished, dull yellowish green.

Common Name: American hazelnut

Type: Deciduous shrub

Family: Betulaceae

Native Range: Eastern North America

Zone: 4 to 9

Height: 10.00 to 16.00 feet

Spread: 8.00 to 13.00 feet

Bloom Time: March to April

Bloom Description: Male – brown, female – red

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Hedge

Flower: Showy

Leaf: Good Fall

Fruit: Edible

Tolerate: Clay Soil